98 V70 Driver's door won't open

[paredown]

Please note that you will need to remove the black plastic cable guide clip from the lock mechanism to be able to insert the tool into the correct place. With a screw driver you can snap it loose and then move it and the cable from the door handle out of the way.

First job and first post for my beater V70--would appreciate a little more guidance, although what is already here is a great guide to the problem.

I can see where the cable attaches, but can't figure out how that cable clip is held in. Where am I prying to get it to release? (I've got a cable hooker tool underneath, but have not figured out what pries apart on the cable end.)

[paredown]

Broke the plastic clip when trying to take it off.

Ordered a new (used) lock with cable, and I was able to use the method above with the wire bent as shown to jigger the door open.

Complete PITA, but it did eventually pop open, and having the replacement is a godsend for figuring out where you want to thread the wire in.

Removing the old lock takes a bit of jiggling--I unclipped the two power connectors on the bottom first while it was still solidly attached.

For install, I unclipped the wiring harness from the door (three wires--two for the lock, one for the safety reflector, and connected the two connections to the lock mechanism before lowering it into the hole. (I then reclipped the wire harness to the inside of the door.)

I also popped the little plastic cover and the small rubber grommet on the door edge --the former lets you see the screws for the door handle--remove them and pull handle back slightly from the door.

You need to get the business end of the door handle (H shaped plastic slider) over the rubber tipped top end of the actuator mechanism--and (this is the PITA going back together) at the same time you guide the flat latch piece from the lock into the nylon bushing in the top. You have poor visibility too.

I found if I put my magnetic light on the door shining back towards the inside of the door, I could manoeuvre the actuator partly into position, and then try to hook the 'H' piece over the top while sliding it up into place. Then, before hooking anything up, I backed it up a little, and using a hook tool, I found I could guide the flat lock piece into the nylon bushing by using the small hole on the edge of the door from which you removed the grommet. (Seems this was put there for that purpose).

I then carefully moved the whole actuator mech into final position, started the bolts into it, pushed the door handle fully in and started its bolts back in. Tightened everything up and the door handle was not springing back correctly.

I then loosened the door actuator bolts slightly, and pushed up on the latch mechanism and tightened it up again with some upward pressure on it, and everything works fine.

[warcraftjunkie]

Ok, anyone have any suggestions for a door that is partially closed, but won't open? I let my daughter borrow my car and when I get home I noticed the dome light was on. I then saw the drivers door was partially shut. I tried to press against the door to get it to close the rest of the way, but it was striking against something. I then lifted the handle and tried to open the door, however it wouldn't release.

I found this thread (such an awesome community that I'm proud to be part of) after doing some searches. I was able to get the interior panel off with some force, I can see the parts mentioned in the previous post, however I'm unable to insert the wire coat hanger tool into the slot mentioned. It seems as though my door clasping mechanism is frozen in that in-between state that for safety holds the door shut, but one click before fully shut. I've been unable to jimmy that at this point.

[warcraftjunkie]

Well, I've found that if you kick at a door hard enough in frustration from the outside right on the area where it strikes, sometimes you get lucky in unjamming it. Unfortunately after I got it open I messed with the locking mechanism and shut the door. Now it won't open. Looks like I've got a repair in my future. In the meantime it seems I'll be doing the passenger side slide in.

[cn90]

Interesting info re PN and pricing for driver door actuator.

http://www.ipdusa.com/products/7241/114 ... or-s70-v70
Cross-reference PNs: 8626183, 9187282, 9203217, 9203628, 9203903

The on-going pricing at Volvo dealer is strange.

8626183 is the latest PN and is $125.
But if you browse the link below and enter 9203217, it is listed for $77!

http://volvopartslisle.com/assembly/?assembly=44743164

[warcraftjunkie]

That's good to know. I called my local dealer and they wanted like 197.00 for the same part. I told them no thanks, I can get the same part from another Volvo dealer parts department for less than half. Unfortunately with family coming for Thanksgiving I don't have time for shipping, so it's off to the boneyard for me.

[warcraftjunkie]

Well, I put in the donor lock actuator, but I seems to be having an issue making the door handle and actuator mesh properly. When I try to use the key to lock or unlock the door I'm unable to turn it. It feels as though there's something physically restricting it from turning. I'm able to lock and unlock it from the inside with the button on the window controls as well as with the lock there by the window. Is there something that I need to do while assembling the two(door handle and actuator) together to make them function properly?

I am able to use the exterior door handle to open the door now at least.

[cartagena]

Have you lined it up properly
Is the cable broken from the inside of the vehicle $10-15 cable. PM and I'll show you pics. I'm new to the site and don't know how to post pics. Cheers.

[warcraftjunkie]

Well, I thought I lined it up properly as it all fit nicely back in the door. No cable is broken as I believe the only cable involved is from the interior door handle to the actuator. I bought that as a single unit from the salvage yard and tested it on the donor car before pulling it.

[paredown]

Well, I put in the donor lock actuator, but I seems to be having an issue making the door handle and actuator mesh properly. When I try to use the key to lock or unlock the door I'm unable to turn it. It feels as though there's something physically restricting it from turning. I'm able to lock and unlock it from the inside with the button on the window controls as well as with the lock there by the window. Is there something that I need to do while assembling the two(door handle and actuator) together to make them function properly?

I am able to use the exterior door handle to open the door now at least.

See my post a couple of posts up--I had the same problem when I first put mine back together, and my solution for making sure handle and actuator are hooked properly is described above.

Dean