Need help, but can't post in 911?

[koldstart]

Hey guys, I just bought an explorer yesterday and I could use a little help
It's a 98 Eddie Bauer, SOHC, real nice. Has a few issues but I got it for a fair price. As soon as I got it home.. The door wouldn't open. Not inside, not outside , the mechinisim jammed up or something so I couldn't open the door. I ended up taking out the seat, removing the door panel and forcing the door to open (NOT FUN) but it's still not functioning properly. I tried using the search function but for some reason I just end up on a blank page. I know that there are a lot of door issues with these things. So I have no tension on the handle, and I think the mechinisim is bad. How do I go about replacing them? Do I have to drill out the handle and bolt/pop rivet a knew handle in place?
My other question was, the place I parked the car wasn't the best spot in the driveway (have multiple drivers) so I figured after I got the door open, I'd move the explorer... The key wouldn't turn. It would go in the ignition but wouldn't turn at all. I don't know if it has something to do with the seat not being in, and the harnesses not connected,.. but the key wouldn't turn so I can't move the car either ... does that sound wrong to you too? I hope it's the car recognizing a seat missing since it is an eddie bauer.. but I don't know. Kinda worries me. Any reason I can't post in 911? Can someone move this there for me? I need help

 

[BrooklynBay]

Elite members are allowed to post in the 911 section. Did you check the linkages for broken clips when the panel was off?

 

[corkey]

wiggle the steering wheel while turning the key,,

 

[koldstart]

I did wiggle the steering wheel, it's not locked.

Brooklyn- It was dark, the panel is still off, I couldn't tell what I was really looking at. I suspect that they are, or the entire mechinisim, I'm not sure.

 

[BrooklynBay]

A good flashlight or a drop light would help in this case. The clips are small, and a little fragile. The Dorman/Help/Motormite products in the auto parts stores have these clips.

 

[koldstart]

Ok, great! thanks for the help. I'll run up and get some. I'll probably tackle this sometime tonight, I have a few errands I have to run before I do. I already went up to the dealership and bought a new mechinisim. I'll make sure I have some clips on hand too. Thanks!
I'll be back!

 

[BrooklynBay]

Some packages are for a left or right handed linkage, so take out an old clip to compare it before you buy it.