MotorHead

Replaced passenger side door handle. locked the door noww it won't unlock, how the he ll do you get it open ?

I thought I did this once on the drivers side but I can't remember how I got it unlocked

Trevelisek

I've had this same problem on my '76 AND my '78....
On the '76, I had enough of a gap between the door and the window that I could fiddle with the latch release/door lock mechanism at the rear of the door...I just observed how the mechanism worked on the working passenger door, and just tried to duplicate the action for the other door by pushing/pulling/prodding carefully at the various levers/rockers....
A bit of work, but I finally got that one open.

Now on the '78, on occasion, when I lock the door from the outside, the door will lock, but then it seems the inside locking button does not want to go into the full 'unlock' position. I just roll down the window, push the door in a bit, and try to unlock it with the key from outside while fiddling with the inside door handle. Sometimes it works better than others...

It may be that part of the linkage in the locking system of your car just slipped out of place in the door....If you can finally get the door open, carefully remove the inner panels and do a comparison of the mechanisms to trace the problem...

Hope you get it working!

CrossedFlags77

On my 77 I got inside and pushed up on the bottom of the door panel and popped it off. Then I was able to get to the locking mechanism.

CWUin82

I think you'll have to pull the door panel off again and find the rod inside that isn't connected. When you're done,make sure the small clips that hold the rods in place didn't fall off. Don't ask how I know.


[Modified by CWUin82, 9:53 PM 6/14/2003]

pillowmeto

on mine the PO put on new door handles and this happens ever once in a while, it might help you, or might not.

some times it cant be unlocked from the inside so you haVE TO TAKE a key and do it. the inside **** turns half way and that is it, so i give the key to the passanger and they have no trouble unlocking it from the out side.

this might give you a lead to a faulty part

MAtt

MotorHead

I could take the door panel off from the inside but it looks like there is one screw on the upper corner that is blocked by the molding that covers the seat belts. Idon't want to have to take that piece off too, it looke like it is all one piece that goes over to the other side.

I could have sworn I did this before on the dirvers side, I actually took the seat out to get betteraccess to the door and make it easier to get the panel off but I don't recall the problem with that one screw in the corner. :confused:

GTR1999

Did you get it open? Sometimes the rods bind or possibly the handle wasn't adjusted when you installed it? I have had luck at time by working the insidelock and door handle together to release it. It may take several trys but it may work. I don't think you'll be able to remove the door panel in the closed position. If the rain gurad isn't in then you can use a long screw driver to reach in and work the door latch too.
Good luck, take your time and you should be ok.
Gary

1Bad69

wayne..i say smash the window and get in and out like the good ol' Duke boys used to...ye haaa... :jester

Alwyn678

You can take the door panel off with the door shut........It is not easy but it can be done

MotorHead

Still locked and I got a hot date this weekend !!! :lol:

I will try to get the door panel off, probably take the seat out and have to remove the trim that hides the retractable seat belts, I busted one of those fiddly little clips and put it back together without it, new I would eventually have to replace it but didn't think it would get locked a not be able to open it.

Anyone know where I can get those little clips that hold th rods in place ? :D


[Modified by MotorHead, 1:32 PM 6/17/2003]

Fevre

Try a slim jim on the lock, might be hung up. Also you might be able to pry the door panel wide enough to see into the door with a light and have someone try the door so you might be able to see where the trouble is.

Good Luck Wayne!

BTW The Duke boys method would be :cool: . :lol:

dath

If you happen to figure out where to get the little clips, I'd like to know as well. Probably Zip carrys them, but there may be a more convenient place...

Spook

Have you tried closing all windows and rebooting?

Spook
:crazy:

MotorHead

Thanks Chris I think that is what I'm gonna do, take the passenger seat out and try and get the panel pryed far enough to get at the lock mechanism


[Modified by MotorHead, 6:40 PM 6/17/2003]

79 Bullet

If you ever get it open here is a good link to help you understand whats going on inside. http://www.corvettefever.com/howto/4696/
:cheers:

desi

Look on the bright side, she won't be able to run away :D

Alwyn678

:rofl:

did you get the panel off??

dunney

Hey, this is a super late thank you to Crossed Flags, but I had a similar issue with a C1. The driver side door was closed shut, and prying it (cringe) with a pry bar did not work (it's a project car so please don't freak out). It turns out that that the metal door gear housing on the door was bent, and would not allow the gear to spin, to allow the door to open. I propped the door opener button/gear lock assembly open, and kung-fooed (remember - PROJECT) the door open. What a pain in the a$$.

Regardless, just another thank you and reminder to all those folks on the C1/C2 and C3 forums.

You are all awesome.

Jeffs82c3

Push on the piece where the arrow is pointed,should pop open...

centuryoldracer

When you replaced the handle you adjusted the rod a little to long so it is not quite releasing all the way when you let go of the handle. If the door release has any pressure on it at all when you release the handle it will not unlock. If you can get in there and push the door handle rod the last little bit it will unlock.
The release rod needs a little bit of slack or play for the lock to work properly.
If you have the door locked, and you hold the door handle down it will not unlock. That is what the over (too long) adjusted rod is doing.