After hitting the power door lock switch, the passenger lock engaged and seems to have fallen into the slot somewhat so that I can't move it. It does slide upwards abit and goes in behind the door panel. I can't open the door. Luckily the car is a convertible so I could put the roof down and my wife climbed over the door. The window goes up and down ok. I see some small screws holding the handle and lock assembly parts to the panel. If I remove these , will I be able to access the lock mechanism and be able to unlock the door ? Tomorrow [ Sunday ] is likely the final cruise day for us this year. We are hoping to get out for a 100 mile run. We are seniors so doing the Hazard boys deal is not easy for us.

 

Did you try using the door key on the passenger door and not just the lever? My parts catalog for the 89 shows 2 rods extending from the locking lever and interior door handle. One controls the lock. If that has somehow slipped off you may need to remove the entire door panel to repair it. That is why I suggested trying the key. If it also does not help, removing the door panel will be the only way to repair it.

 

thanks for the reply Fiberbundle. Yes, I tried the key, all the usual tricks. I am actually a tow truck driver and have the lock out tools but I have never attempted to unlock a vehicle when it is apparant the lock mechanism is out of place. The door does not open so I am not certain yet if I can access the screws to remove the panel. Going out shortly to have a better look now that daylight is on.

 

Parts diagram

 

Chances are you'll need to take the door panel off to see why it's bound up

 

Thanks for the replies. So, I was able to grasp the lock slide thing with a pair of pliers and pulling down and forward was able to pull it and unlock the door. We got our run in and will just not lock the doors in the garage and will deal with it in the spring. I have a 85 service manual and the diagam posted is exactly the same .

 

That plastic black with orange lock just pulls off

 

Well, I was able to gently pull on it enough to unlock the door. I am not touching it again until I figure out exactly what the issue is and have the parts on hand to repair.

 

It pulls of while unlocked. It isn't going to lock again on you

 

thanks for that info. Im hoping to get it out for one final run this Friday, temps dropping over the weekend and snow forecasted next week.