Driver door wont unlock/open

[97SLGTW]

Hey all, I have a 97 subaru legacy wagon gt. My drivers door one afternoon decided it no longer wanted to unlock, and therefor I can obviously not open it.

the lock actually moves when I use the power unlock, and all the other doors work great. it dosnt move all the way either way locked or unlocked.

I would take the door panel off, but I cant get the door open to do that. Does anyone have any ideas? I think I am going to have to try and break in using a coat hanger or something? common issues?

[Huffer]

Open passenger door - pull the unlock lever on the drivers door.
Remove door card, check master switches, check door lock motor.

[shazapple]

Does it lock/unlock with the key? Does it lock/unlock if you are inside and you physically move the lock/unlock lever or the inside door handle?

If I remember correctly, the door should open if you pull the inside door handle whether it's locked or unlocked. if it doesn't open then theres probably something wrong with the open mechanism.

Either way, get that door skin off and check the plastic connectors at each end of the metal rods that connect the door opening/locking mechanisms. If they are ok, then check the locking solenoid

[97SLGTW]

OK, So I spent some time outside last night finally working on this issue, and I am now more concerned than before...

I pulled the door panel off the passenger side, so I could reference what was going on, but I cant get the door panel off of the driver door, because its closed...

With that said, when I started last night, the door lock would never move all the way locked, or open when using the power locks, and I couldnt do it by hand either (at least not with a force I was willing to put on it) The key would not do anything different.

I did manage to get the lock portion working (seemingly) well. It now moves freely to the positions it should. That said, the door still doesnt open. The mechanisms all seem to be moving freely, and I can see into the door from the top. I have tried using a rod to move the parts on my own, and still the door will not open.

So, I have a feeling the white plastic piece that releases the actual mechanism from the striker is broken. If that is the case, is there a way for me to remove the door? Im ready to start cutting and buy a new door at this point. I cant really pick up a date if I have to climb in the passenger side eh ;)

[shazapple]

I think your best bet would be to keep fishing. Perhaps second best choice would be to try removing the door panel (although probably not very easy/possible) Or maybe the lock button trim.

If you want to go the destructive route, the fabric piece in the middle of the door panel is separate from the rest, and held in by screws. see pictures here
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/viewtopic.php?t=589
I would investigate the price of a new door panel vs that plastic piece

[97SLGTW]

Thanks for the link, I had actually read that post before and looked at the pics.

issue is, at this point im pretty positvie even with the inside panel off, I cant open the door. Really I can see that everything is moving as the passenger side door does. I need to learn how to remove a door, assuming that its not going to work.

Anyone know the answer to that riddle?

[sexystover]

jaws of life? other than i dont think its possible

[shazapple]

stick a reciprocating saw in between the B pillar and the front door and hope for the best? Maybe you can layer some tape to avoid some scratches :lol:

depending on the availability of a same colour door with full innards (switching them over would be a bitch) I think I would still go for destroying the door panel and then beating/fiddling away at the door latch mechanism.

[97SLGTW]

yeah, I think thats what Ill have to do, just try and bust the mechanism from the inside and get to the C that holds onto the striker manually.

I really think they should have added a small hole or something on the inside for such a case as this. Like on a CD drive in case you forget your CD inside it you can manually remove it without the power... ahh well, such is life eh, I assume these things dont go bad very often

thanks for the help guys, anyone has any more new ideas, feel free to add them. I wont likely bust it till I find the new parts, could be a bit.

[97SLGTW]

OK, So I still havnt managed to fix door issue. I have managed to get the door panels off, and The other night after working on it, the passenger door wont open either now HAHA

anyway hoping today will be the day, I have the whole day off and Im going to head out and make it the project. we'll see. even with the door panel off though, it looks like everything is working perfectly, rods and such.

[shazapple]

*waves around reciprocating saw*

Good luck!

[97SLGTW]

Ok, One minute with the angle grinder to my B pillar and the car gave up. I have literally been working on this on and off for over a month. Its my only car and Ive been climbing in and out the passenger side.

I have both doors open now.

1. I had to remove the rod that connected the drivers key lock to the lock actuator.

2. Then I had to pry up on the plunger that is attached to the outside door handle. It was depressed and not returning to "rest" position.

3. I used a lot of WD-40 on the mechanisms and moved it around till the previously mentioned plunger was returning to home. Also some at the "C" clamp that holds the striker when the door is closed. It was also not releasing well.

4. If I try and use the handle when the door is locked, then I end up with this issue. If I always make sure the car is unlocked before attempting to open it, it will open fine... for now!

I plan on replacing the mechanisms shortly. The passenger side door not opening is a mystery, is just opened today without a problem...

thanks for all the ideas/help and If anyone wants more information I can likely explain things further.

Jeff

[birukun]

You might want to try PB Blaster, since WD40 is also a degreaser while I believe PB Blaster is a lubricant.

Glad to read you got it sorted out. Wow.