So, my passenger side door is stuck shut. I think possibly the linkage causing the door to lock only when the handle is up somehow became jammed. I can turn the lock with a key about half way but it doesn't unlock it. Trying to unlock it from the inside doesn't work either. Also, I can kinda see the linkage through the window slot with the glass down but i don't know which rods i should be trying to move with a hook.

I guess my question is, does anyone know how to get the door panel off with the door shut? Or any tips on what rods i should try to move?
thanks in advance,
Shawn

 

Had a similar problem in my SA a while back. I got a set of very long neddle nose pliers from Snap-On. While my buddy held the door handle I pulled the rod thatgoes vertical up a few times and it finally popped open. Upon dissably of the door panel turned out the plastic connecting clip was cracked and brittle. I will check my digi when I get home to see if I have pics you could use for reference. Good Luck

 

Try these so you can see whats going on - sounds like a clip on the connecting rod has come off or broken? Thing is, the brass rod that goes to the outer door handle (pic) should still be attached to the door jamb latch mechanism, since there are no clips involved. The blue clip you see connect the INNER door release thru to the brass rod/outer handle AND the jamb latch mechanism. Even if this blue connector fails, the outer handle should STILL be attached to the jamb latch. Does the INNER handle still feel like its working? ie spring-loaded? How about the lock ****?
Worse case you might want to de-panel the GOOD door to see how all this is working and what might be going wrong...
'luck

Stu Aull
80GS
Alaska

 

great pics man. that saves me from having to take both doors apart. thanks for the info guys.

 

sorry I couldn't b more specific - but at least you see what's going on...
happy to assist- just let us know what happened.
Stu Aull
80GS
Alaska

 

did you get this problem resolved? my driver side door jammed shut. same symptoms as this. is there a special way to get to this? i dont know how to get to the door panel off to get to the linkage mentioned above.

 

7aull - ditto on the great pics. My problem is exactly where the rod connects to the outside door handle. Would you happen to have a little closer picture of this apparatus? Mine's an 83 and it looks like from your picture that maybe a spring is missing. Thansk for your help on this.