Hi all,

I have a 03 fiat punto. The passenger door won't open from the outside, although it can still be opened from the inside. The outside handle moves like it should but won't open. My car is due its MOT in next few weeks and I understand its a failure.

I've read around on the net and it seems I need to remove the panel and have a look. My problem is I'm clueless when it comes to cars! Is this the kind of problem a regular garage could solve? Could I ask them to sort it at the same time as doing the MOT? Any idea on cost?!!

Any tips on what I should try first?

By the way, it has central locking but not remote locking, if that has any relevance at all.....

Thanks for your help!

You need to remove the inner trim panel and have a look. The connection between the outer handle and the lock may have broken or just popped off. May need a new handle, or a clip, or just refitting. Or it may be a problem in the lock mechanism itself, but this is less likely.
Of course you can entrust this to a garage, but it could be a lot of labour for a small fix. Same time as MOT may not be the best option as time to fix is variable depending on fault found. Get it looked at sooner.

:yeahthat:


If the connecting rod from handle to lock mechanism has popped off, probably ~ 1 hour labour.

If mechanism damaged, new part required, or part from breaker.

It's a relatively simple job technically, the money is mainly in the time taken to do it.

get the handle (ebay some there at the minute £7 all in just get the right side)
get some quotes for fitting
what about a neighbour owes you a favour that likes tinkering?
hours labour at garage is going to cost isnt it unless you can wangle it into say a service

yes mot failure ,its dangerous see isnt it ,in an accident

Thanks all. I've had a quick google on how to remove the inner door, so maybe I'll give it a go this week if I'm bored!

There's a very good guide on the forum, have a look there

And remember, it's never as easy as you might expect first time....

Having done this myself at the weekend, I would advise to take your time. Make sure you have definitely removed all the screws before you start pulling it and levering it. Working from the bottom try to pull and work your way up until you sense where the fixings are, then get something thin, strong and flat to slide in as close as you can to the fixiing to help you lever it off.
When you come to put it back, make sue that the weather strip at the top goes properly over the top edge (bottom edge of the window frame) otherwise you'll end up taking it all off again to do it right!
Also check that the plastic push on fastenings (male part) have not pulled out of the door card and stayed stuck in to the female part of the fastening. If they have, separate them and put the male part back in its slot on the door card first, otherwise the door card won't secure properly.

Seal that white sheet up properly too

Its a seal to help reduce moisture entering the door, so reseal sufficiently

I think i ended up using electrical tape quiet abit.... it stuck okay as well

Ziggy