Problem Opening Door
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 127
Likes: 6
Problem Opening Door
I have a problem with the driver's side door not opening completely when the button is depressed. The door will open partially, but it always requires that the button be hit twice to fully open the door.
There doesn't appear to be significant misalignment at the striker or other indication that the door is dragging.
Has anyone experienced this and, if so, what was the problem?
There doesn't appear to be significant misalignment at the striker or other indication that the door is dragging.
Has anyone experienced this and, if so, what was the problem?
Pro
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 510
Likes: 0
From: Cottage Grove MN
I had problems with it when I first got my Vette, but it was mainly due to a timing issue.. i wasn't waiting long enough for the lock to disengage before trying to open and then it would get stuck between open and close.
I am guessing that this probably is not your problem, but I have heard that the switches get dirty and can lead to this as well. I hear they are very easy to take out and clean and i know there is a post about it - i just dont know where it is.
I am guessing that this probably is not your problem, but I have heard that the switches get dirty and can lead to this as well. I hear they are very easy to take out and clean and i know there is a post about it - i just dont know where it is.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 20,352
Likes: 568
From: Ventura County, Calif
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 21,502
Likes: 461
From: Southern Utah
You need to keep steady pressure on the door when you push the button...if it opens partway, it will open all the way. The door isn't spring loaded to pop open by itself, it only unlatches by itself.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 25,007
Likes: 2,707
From: Far NW 'burbs of Chicago
St. Jude Donor '13
For a while I was having the "gotta push the switch twice" problem, discovered that being too gentle or slow with the door causes the problem. Once it unlatches, pull it open with one smooth swift movement.
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 190
Likes: 0
From: Conway NH
The door doesn't open by you pushing the button! The door opens by you opening the door as you push the button. Same as any other car. A regular door handle doesn't open the door, it simply releases the latch. You still have to push or pull the door open! You did know that didn't you?
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 144
Likes: 0
From: Red Bank New Jersey
I have a problem with the driver's side door not opening completely when the button is depressed. The door will open partially, but it always requires that the button be hit twice to fully open the door.
There doesn't appear to be significant misalignment at the striker or other indication that the door is dragging.
Has anyone experienced this and, if so, what was the problem?
There doesn't appear to be significant misalignment at the striker or other indication that the door is dragging.
Has anyone experienced this and, if so, what was the problem?
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)
Joe Kucinski
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know
Joe Kucinski
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2
Michael S. Palmer
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,096
Likes: 1
From: Chesapeake Va
My drivers door is the same way. Opens part way then locks itself. Have to press it multiple times to get it to open. I thought it was due to the car not reading my FOB correctly. Half the time I get in the car, it doesn't detect the FOB when it's in my right pants pocket and sometimes in my right jacket pocket. This morning I had to hold the FOB in front of me for the car to detect it.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 5,119
Likes: 272
From: SC
Go to the chevy dealer and buy a new door lock pad. I just did this TODAY, replaced it in less than 5 minutes. The door opens perfect now. You have the same problem I had! The part was less than $15.00 and they had it in stock. the parts man said he has sold dozens of them because this is a common problem on the vettes after the car is a few years old. I replaced my fob battery, tried to clean the opening pad, but no luck. changed it and it's like new!!! The part is cheap, might as well buy two, before the price goes up!
The part is cheap, might as well buy two, before the price goes up!
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 21,502
Likes: 461
From: Southern Utah
Last edited by cclive; Mar 2, 2010 at 11:44 AM.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 11,367
Likes: 211
From: Edgewood Washington
St. Jude Donor '11-'12-'13-'14-'15
My drivers door is the same way. Opens part way then locks itself. Have to press it multiple times to get it to open. I thought it was due to the car not reading my FOB correctly. Half the time I get in the car, it doesn't detect the FOB when it's in my right pants pocket and sometimes in my right jacket pocket. This morning I had to hold the FOB in front of me for the car to detect it.
Take it to the dealer. Here's the info previously posted in the Forum.
