1998Front Passenger Door won't open from inside

PolishRifle · Post by **PolishRifle** » 19 May 2015, 13:29

Like the title says the door won't open from the inside but works fine from the outside. The power locks work fine, just the inside handle. How hard is it to pull the door apart and reattach whatever had become disconnected?

On a side note the rear passenger side door will lock with the power locks but won't unlock. Currently I use my 4 year old to crawl across the seat and unlock the door for her little sister but its something I would like to repair soon.

mika · Post by **mika** » 19 May 2015, 13:40

In the arm hole area (from inside) there is a removable plastic thingy, pop that off and then it reveals a torx screw (probably a 25). Pull that out, and now you can get a flat screwdrive and work your way around the door decorative trim and pop the door card off. Then you can see what came loose and hopefully reconnect it.

The second issue is a common problem. I know that a new actuator can solve the issue (inside the door by the handle), but the problem is that with the heat expanding the rubber/plastic, you might have issue still. I learned that leaving window cracked on both sides a little bit helped cool the inside of the car in the sun, and using a sunshield helps too. Door locks open better that way, less heat, less expansion.

obayha · Post by **obayha** » 19 May 2015, 13:54

The clip are fragile, that hold the panel on. Find a flat bar and slide it between the skin and metal until you feel the clips and it should pry off, there are several around the panel.
The glue is also old and usually separates some of the panel areas.
Be careful of the screw around the handle, that one can break the plastic when you assemble.
Pull out a little and up from the window.
Shane

brick_and_motor · Post by **brick_and_motor** » 20 Feb 2017, 04:38

Hey OP - I know this is an old thread but I'm having the exact same issue with my passenger door (worked fine until last night) and I'm wondering what the issue was and if/how you fixed it. Probably won't have a chance to look at it until Friday but would appreciate any advice you have to give. Thanks!!

Post by **sleddriver** » 20 Feb 2017, 11:30

I fixed this last year. Problem was the plastic cracked at the interior door handle, allowing the cable to slip out of joint. I fixed it using a brass machine screw. Search my last years posts for more info.

brick_and_motor · Post by **brick_and_motor** » 20 Feb 2017, 17:16

Awesome! Thanks for the info, sleddriver!