Technical Door handle rod not connected & door is closed! help!

[GinaGina]

Yesterday, I replaced the passenger side door handle on my 2015 fiat 500 sport. As I was putting the rod back into the red clip, and the red clip snapped and broke. We had somewhere to be (and I needed to order the replacement clip) so I placed the end of the rod back into it’s hole, put the door back together and gave strict instructions to not use the door.

Yes, of course the door was opened (and worked) but as the door was closed, the connector rod slipped out and now the door is not engaged and it is closed. Won’t open from inside or out.

I’m trying to envision getting the door panel back off with the door closed, but not sure if that’s an option with all the internal trim. Is there a way I can get the door open? I’d like to save the dealership for last resort, so wanted to see if anyone could give me some advice. Thank you!

 

[bugsymike]

Yesterday, I replaced the passenger side door handle on my 2015 fiat 500 sport. As I was putting the rod back into the red clip, and the red clip snapped and broke. We had somewhere to be (and I needed to order the replacement clip) so I placed the end of the rod back into it’s hole, put the door back together and gave strict instructions to not use the door.

Yes, of course the door was opened (and worked) but as the door was closed, the connector rod slipped out and now the door is not engaged and it is closed. Won’t open from inside or out.

I’m trying to envision getting the door panel back off with the door closed, but not sure if that’s an option with all the internal trim. Is there a way I can get the door open? I’d like to save the dealership for last resort, so wanted to see if anyone could give me some advice. Thank you!

One way or another that panel has to come off, so try and move the seat and recline it etc. to get the best position to gain access. Apart from panel clip removal tools I don't think they will any thing more specialised, so normal DIY and take your time being not to strain any panels or plastic as brittle.
You may be able to get the panel partly off and get your hand in to pull on the release rod.
You will remember next time to leave the panel off until fixed completely

 

[varesecrazy]

If the car is in Malaysia the job will be easier than the UK..

The plastics dont like flexing in the Cold.. and working in thick clothes is tricky too.

Do let us know what you discover

Charlie

 

[GinaGina]

One way or another that panel has to come off, so try and move the seat and recline it etc. to get the best position to gain access. Apart from panel clip removal tools I don't think they will any thing more specialised, so normal DIY and take your time being not to strain any panels or plastic as brittle.
You may be able to get the panel partly off and get your hand in to pull on the release rod.
You will remember next time to leave the panel off until fixed completely

Thanks very much for your reply! Indeed I will remember next time

If the car is in Malaysia the job will be easier than the UK..

The plastics dont like flexing in the Cold.. and working in thick clothes is tricky too.

Do let us know what you discover

Charlie

Great thought! warming up the garage for this event.

 

[d4zzl3r]

Thanks very much for your reply! Indeed I will remember next time

Great thought! warming up the garage for this event.

Hi - how did you get on?

Two ideas i had but they are both a bit destructive.

1. Use a round hole saw to cut a hole in the door card where the lever mechanism is and operate the door lock. Afterwards glue the door card piece back in.
2. Just cut into the door card anyway you can and afterwards but a second-hand door card from a breakers.

Sorry that neither are very good options (cosmetically) but at least you get door access back.