Help! Big Big problem!

[Achilles]

I took the door latch mechanism out of the passenger door on my 82 to do some adjustments. Everything worked fine after I put it all back in, door opened smoothly...untill I locked it!


Now the door won't unlock and I can't open the door. I've tried using the key and trying to pry levers with a screw driver. Still won't open.


I was able to pull the inside door panel off with the door closed...not easy.


From what I can tell, the lever that is the locking mechanism rocks up and down. This lever is not making the full movement upwards, which I assume would unlock the door.


Don't really know where to go from this here.


Any ideas?ad

 

[Hib Halverson]

Get the door unlocked and open. Remove the door panel and repair the lock and latch mechanism.

Detailed information maybe in the factory service manual.

I had lock problems on my 71 and I finally had to remove the lock/latch assembly and soak it first in soap and water to remove the dirt then soak it in solvent to remove grease and the water. Then I blew it off with shop air, relubed various parts and reinstalled it. That fixed a lot of problems I had.

Now with your 82, you have power locks and perhaps a different lock mechanism, so I can't promise that everything I've said applies to MY82.

 

[Whiteshadow89158]

You might be missing a clip somewhere. Check the drivers side and compare the mechanism. It also could just need to be lubed up. Spray some in there and work the mechanism with your hand.

 

[Achilles]

Thanks for replying. I figured it out from another post. When I adjusted the rod that extends down from the outside latch, I extended the adjsting nut too low on the rod. This was putting pressure on the latch mechanism and would not allow the lock lever to release. I popped the clip off the rod with a long screwdriver and then popped the rod loose from the lever. Once the pressure was off the lever I was able to open the door from the inside handle. Just an adjustment error on my part!

 

[Whiteshadow89158]

Good to hear, it can be strenuous at times to fix your mistakes but you always learn from it. I've had to fix my own many times lol.