General Door Problems

[Torridon1]

Hi
The passenger side door of my 1992 Panda is jammed shut and I was hoping for some help/advice...
The symptoms are that the door is jammed shut like (for example) the seat belt buckle has got shut in the door and the door isn't completely closed. However in this case the seat belt buckle is not caught in the door.
The handle on the inside of the door moves but can't return to its proper position (and of course doesn't open the door).
With the door card off, the linkage from the inside handle and the locking knob are both unable to move freely. The exterior push button itself moves in and out freely, but the key will not turn fully because the linkage won't move. I am confident the lock itself is not the problem.
I think the latch mechanism is jammed somehow, but I can't see enough to work out how (or if) to un-jam it.
The existing threads I have found relate to door problems being fixed with the door open.
Is there a way of taking the door off from the hinge end?
Any ideas and/or moral support gratefully received.
Thanks

 

[Dragon Man]

hmm this is an interesting fault,
my advice would be to attempt to move the locking lever (door pin and door key lock levers) while working the inside door handle lever as it sounds like the return spring inside the actual door mechanism has failed, or got stuck in some way.

sadly due to the design you cant really take the door off when its closed, the pin that the door latches on to is designed so you cant unbolt the door and "slide" it off the door pin. if you do feel like giving it a go its only 4x 13mm bolts.

dont forget to put some pressure on the door too as if you are trying to close it more.. it may move the little arm enough to reset it.

if all else fails, i guess the best way would be a hammer and sturdy flat blade.. a few well placed shots on key placed of the door lock mechanism may do the trick.. im sure one of us panda lot have a spare somewhere.

i'd be working on the inner door opening rod lever on the door mech. give it some "persuasion" and see if it works..

 

[Torridon1]

Thanks DragonMan.


I have done some jiggling of the rods but only solo so have not done the combined pushing against the door and door handle and rod jiggling. An assistant will be recruited in the next few days and I will post an update.


Can I ask about where the 4 bolts to remove the door are? (in case the additional jiggling is unsuccessful) This possibility only occurred as I was writing the original post. I guess the Haynes manual will cover this, but probably not with the door shut. This sounds like a two person job too.


Many thanks

 

[Torridon1]

Thanks DragonMan.

I have done some jiggling of the rods but only solo so have not done the combined pushing against the door and door handle and rod jiggling. An assistant will be recruited in the next few days and I will post an update.

Can I ask about where the 4 bolts to remove the door are? (in case the additional jiggling is unsuccessful) This possibility only occurred as I was writing the original post. I guess the Haynes manual will cover this, but probably not with the door shut. This sounds like a two person job too.

Many thanks

Did I say "jiggling" - I meant persuasion and undoubtedly some swearing

 

[Dragon Man]

if you follow the door hinges you will find the bolts, 2 bolts per hinge you may have to slide off some plastic trim and take out a rubber bung but you will find them.

 

[Torridon1]

I have tried the persuasion of the rods with my wife pushing against the door.
I have also tried several hammer and big screwdriver blows to the mechanism.
Both unsuccessful so far.
I have found the bolts the remove the door and then it started raining, and I thought that a watertight and secure car would be a better bet during the week.
Are the hammer and screwdriver blows a matter of trial and error?
Would removing the door at least give me more room to manipulate or bash the latch mechanism, even if I can't get the door off completely?
Thanks

 

[Torridon1]

After trying to live in denial and several snatched hours over the past few weeks, of manipulations with mechanisms, getting family members to push against the door whilst manipulating, and "persuasion" with screwdrivers and hammers, an actual mechanic is having a look next week. Although competent and helpful he will not be an "Unusual problem with Panda door" expert.

I thought about the following options:

- Unbolt the mechanism so it is loose and give more movement to free up - I can definitely get to 2 of the 3 bolts but the is unreachable with a standard spanner.

- Undo the pin - I checked and it is bolted in well and truly and would need the door open to remove

- Cut through the pin - not a lot of space for this and assume it is toughened steel so hacksaw would be hopeless?

"s**t just got real" as the MOT is in 3 weeks time, so I am at the point of throwing some money at it.

I would be grateful for any further suggestions and advice or lateral thinking or moral support. It is surprising how depressed a broken Panda makes you feel.

Thanks