98 V70 Driver's door won't open

gdict · Post by **gdict** » 03 Jan 2010, 16:08

The driver's door won't open on my girlfriend's 98 V70!

The locks seem to be working fine, but the door will not open with the interior or exterior handles. I noticed some rough operation of the interior latch recently but didn't think much of. Now the door won't open and I stumped as to where to begin. The linkage seems to be ok at the interior lever and the fact that both handles don't work leads me to believe it something at the latching mechanism itself.

The question is how to get the door open without destroying the interior panel?

Any help is greatly appreciated!

gdict · Post by **gdict** » 03 Jan 2010, 17:19

Well, I partially removed the rear door, allowing me to take out the two trox screws holding the outer door handle on. I am unable to get the mechanism to release still and the door handle won't come out unless it is detached on the inside.

I removed the passenger door panel to study the guts a bit and I am still stumped.

Anyone???

WeAre06 · Post by **WeAre06** » 03 Jan 2010, 18:31

I few years ago I had a problem where the the interior door handle was working roughly and then completely stopped working. However, you could still open the door from the outside. I took the interior door panel off and discovered the problem was a broken clip that holds the door release cable in place. The broken clip wasn't available so I ended up fixing the door with some thermal plastic I got from work.

Below is a picture of the door release cable. The free end you see attaches to your interior door handle. The other end runs to the actual latch mechanism. The black plastic piece (in picture) on the free end holds the cable sheath in place and positions it correctly in the interior handle. Volvo saved a penny and made the entire cable too short which puts unnecessary stress the black plastic holder piece and this stress eventually brakes the holder. Once the holder is broken the cable moves out of position and the interior handle will no longer open the door.

WeAre06 · Post by **WeAre06** » 03 Jan 2010, 18:39

The plastic holder that I'm talking about eventually broke on both front doors. I fixed each by making custom plastic blocks that helped correctly reposition the release cable.

Also, I have no idea why your exterior handle isn't working. You may have a different problem than me.

gdict · Post by **gdict** » 03 Jan 2010, 19:14

I know the clip you are talking about. While studying the other side an hour ago I dropped the lock mechanism and it yanked the cable outof the interior lever, breaking this clip. I was able to drill to holes and use a ty-wrap to hold it in place. Should work fin, but keep your fingers crossed for me.

The drivers door also had an occasional hang up with the interior handle, but it was definitley cause by something inside the lock and not that clip. I know this because when the door is locked, you can pull the interior handle and it unlocks. This means the cable is ok. I think there is a problem with the last little lever in the lock that releases the catch.

This wouldn't be a big deal... if the door wasn't shut.

Right now, I think my plan is to partially remove the rear door and cut the door catch with a sawzall. It's gonna make a mess with the paint, but I can't think of a better way.

I will then temporarily install the drivers door of a 96 850 parts car that I have. That will be the donor for the new latch. Unfortunately the 96 has a different lock mechanism than the 98. The door sheetmetal is the same, but the guts are all different.

Any better ideas are most welcome.

Cheers!

Greg

+

Post by **BEJinFbk** » 03 Jan 2010, 19:19

gdict wrote:I know the clip you are talking about. While studying the other side an hour ago I dropped the lock mechanism and it yanked the cable outof the interior lever, breaking this clip. I was able to drill to holes and use a ty-wrap to hold it in place. Should work fin, but keep your fingers crossed for me.

The drivers door also had an occasional hang up with the interior handle, but it was definitley cause by something inside the lock and not that clip. I know this because when the door is locked, you can pull the interior handle and it unlocks. This means the cable is ok. I think there is a problem with the last little lever in the lock that releases the catch.

This wouldn't be a big deal... if the door wasn't shut.

Right now, I think my plan is to partially remove the rear door and cut the door catch with a sawzall. It's gonna make a mess with the paint, but I can't think of a better way.

I will then temporarily install the drivers door of a 96 850 parts car that I have. That will be the donor for the new latch. Unfortunately the 96 has a different lock mechanism than the 98. The door sheetmetal is the same, but the guts are all different.

Any better ideas are most welcome.

Cheers!

Greg

+

Can you get in there with a dremel cut-off wheel?
Maybe a die grinder?

gdict · Post by **gdict** » 03 Jan 2010, 19:25

Can you get in there with a dremel cut-off wheel?
Maybe a die grinder?

The dremel won't give enough depth and a die grinder won't fit in the space. I though about an angle grinder with a cutoff wheel, but think the flexible blade of a sawzall will give more and allow me to concentrate the cutting where I want it. It will make lots of scratches, but it shouldn't cut into any of the surrounding metal.

Greg

Post by **BEJinFbk** » 03 Jan 2010, 19:56

You may be able to protect the paint by taping up the blade.
Sounds like a PITA...

Best of Luck!

gdict · Post by **gdict** » 03 Jan 2010, 22:29

You're not kidding. PITA is definitely the word for this one. I am NOT looking forward to it.

Thanks for the tip on taping the blade. I might also use some heavy duty plastic sheeting to jam in there. Anything will help.

Still hoping someone might have some brilliant trick before I start hacking!

Cheers!

Greg

theblacklantern · Post by **theblacklantern** » 16 May 2010, 00:18

Just wanted to say that I am in the same situation with my 99 V70 XC. Your plan to sawzall the door catch seems like the only option for me at this point too. I don't know what happened in there, but it just won't open from either side. I have an identical parts car that I have studied, but it seems by comparison that every mechanism and linkage that is within sight or feel is working properly. Sure is nice to have a parts care these days. Kinda like a 3D map!
No previous rough operation or anything like that either. I wonder if something got caught in the latch upon it's last closing. Guess I'll bust out the sawzall in the morning and pray that the catch isn't heat treated!
Don't know what your outcome was, but I hope it was good.