Door won't open - need help

[RangerX]

My daughter has a 98 Sport. Someone tried to break into it the other day, and screwed up the driver door. I have it for the afternoon, to try to fix it. It does not open, and the problem seems to be in the lock mechanics. It has power locks and windows. I can't get the inside panel off without having the door open.

Any ideas?

 

[Frese]

From the inside, if you can take the plastic piece off from around the door handle, you might be able to to see the rod that is disconnected. If its not. Then its disconnected at the latch. If you have good light you might be able to see where the rod connects to the latch.

Hope that helps a little.

 

[RangerX]

Thanks. That rubber weather membrane is covering there, but I might cut it to look through. I also thought about buying a slimjim at the 99 cent store.

 

[Crankcase]

How did they try breaking in? What part is damaged from the outside?

 

[RangerX]

Well, the only thing wrong I can see is the outside handle has free play and doesn't open the door. No pry marks or scratches, keyhole is untouched.

I took apart the passenger door to study how it works, but didn't learn anything helpful.

I can pull up on the inside lock knob with pliers, it moves but seems to be jambed at the point it should unlock.

Would a locksmith be able to do anything? I could call AAA...

 

[PicoG4]

My door is like this periodically. There is a spring broken in the lock/handle mechanism. Try pressing the unlock button repeatedly while repeatedly pulling on the open handle. Sometimes that does the trick. Other times I can grab hold of the lock knob and pull it up while repeatedly pulling the open handle. It may take like 80 pulls on the handle before it opens but eventually does.

 

[RangerX]

Other times I can grab hold of the lock knob and pull it up while repeatedly pulling the open handle. It may take like 80 pulls on the handle before it opens but eventually does.

I'll retry that. I gave up at 10 or 15!