I know this sounds weird, but I can't get my door to shut. The door latch won't budge. This is the passenger side door.

Here is some info on the car that may or may not be useful:

- 86 GXL
- The car currently does not have power (battery is removed), no ecu is currently in the car, nor is there an engine or transmission in it. Long story short, I can't raise or lower the power windows.
- I tried spraying a little bit of WD-40 in there to loosen it up, but it didn't help. I let it sit in WD40 overnight, still no go.
- I've tried locking, unlocking, using the door handle but nothing seems to change the fact that the latch "arm" is stuck

The latch "ring" in the sill and the "arm" that would hold the door to the car are still perfectly in line. I've tried slamming the door, hoping it would knock it free, but it just made a horrible metal on metal crashing sound.

I've not seen a thread where the door was stuck OPEN, just ones were the door was stuck closed. Is this going to be the same process (i.e. taking the panel off and messing around with the interior of the door) or is this something that I can fix without tearing apart the door?

How can I get that "arm" in the door to become free again to grab around the latch so I can shut the door?

Thanks.

 

Wd40 Sucks. Go find some Fluid Film. Spray that on there and use a screw driver to work that back and forth while lifting/releasing the handle.

 

Deep Creep would work also.
WD-40 is NOT a lubricant.

 

Try holding the door handle up while you close it I have to do that with my drivers door or it won't close.

 

Did you try actuating the latch mechanism with a screw driver? That seems to work 99% of the time... If you don't know what I mean, I can write up something more detailed, or more likely just take a video.

Looking at the photo, it may be too late though. It looks like the hook is up a little too far. Your slamming might have broken the latch mechanism...

 

I know a bunch of rednecks around here that would disagree with you lol

The latch mechanism appears to be stuck up where it is in the photo. I've tried fiddling with it with a screwdriver and pliers with no luck.

The latch mechanism is stuck up, pulling on the handle doesn't seem to move it at all.

I haven't found " deep creep" or "fluid film" at any auto parts stores or department stores nearby. I'll try Lowes when I get the chance though. If you guys have any other ideas, I'm listening. It kind of looks like I might just have to replace that whole part though huh?

 

Oops... I meant to take a video for you, but when I went to do it my phone was out of memory.

I believe you'll find the mechanism is broken. For the latch to be stuck where it is would require a rearranging of internal parts. It's (remotely) possible you could fix it with the mechanism outside the door to gain better access, but chances are very good you'll need a new (or used) mechanism.

 

Here's a closer up photo. Upon closer inspection it appears there is a bit of plastic inside that is loose/broken. New part time?

 

That plastic piece is exactly what I was suggesting might be broken. DS or PS? They're about $100 new. I got a set from a junkyard recently for $35/each.

 

Passenger side. If you have leads on where to get one reasonably quick and fast I'd appreciate it. I'd love to get that door closed lol

 

Look at the one in my thread. I didn't use the ps one. If you are ok with the uv damage, pm me.