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Can't open door: handles disconnected 

 

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 Post subject: Can't open door: handles disconnected
Posted: Wed Jan 10, 2018 10:00 pm 
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Not sure if this is the best forum for this topic, but here goes...
Recently the lock actuator on the rear passenger door of my BA wagon failed. It was then plastic gear in the lock drive that packed up. Anyway, after diagnosing I ordered a replacement actuator and put the door back together. I deliberately left the external handle disconnected so the door was locked from the outside. Unfortunately I forgot to reconnect the internal handle, so now I can't open the door at all. I've tried to find the linkage cable with a wire coat hanger and with bare hands through the openings in the trim, but it's nowhere to be found.
Is there any way of getting the door open without causing damage? If not, what's the best way, causing minimum damage?
Thanks in advance?
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 Post subject: Re: Can't open door: handles disconnected
Posted: Wed Jan 10, 2018 10:36 pm 
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think i removed the b pillar covering, rear seat base, side bolster to remove trim & open rear drivers door as i didn't realise exterior handle had been disconnected. i had set the child lock :roll:
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 Post subject: Re: Can't open door: handles disconnected
Posted: Wed Jan 10, 2018 11:31 pm 
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Thanks. I'll have a look, but I doubt I can get the panel off because of the obscured side screws.
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 Post subject: Re: Can't open door: handles disconnected
Posted: Thu Jan 11, 2018 7:16 am 
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Cackle61 wrote:
Thanks. I'll have a look, but I doubt I can get the panel off because of the obscured side screws.


that's what i thought too. but i did get it off without breaking/damaging anything.
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 Post subject: Re: Can't open door: handles disconnected
Posted: Thu Jan 11, 2018 10:17 am 
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No worries. I'll give it a try. Was yours also a BA? If not, how similar?
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 Post subject: Re: Can't open door: handles disconnected
Posted: Thu Jan 11, 2018 11:57 am 
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 Post subject: Re: Can't open door: handles disconnected
Posted: Fri Jan 12, 2018 8:25 pm 
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Unfortunately, no matter which way I look at it, I can only access critical screws with the door open :(. As far as I can tell, the only thing I can do is break through the external handle escutcheon and fit a replacement from a wrecker.
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 Post subject: Re: Can't open door: handles disconnected
Posted: Fri Jan 12, 2018 9:51 pm 
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 Post subject: Re: Can't open door: handles disconnected
Posted: Fri Jan 12, 2018 10:19 pm 
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Yes, I've tried. I have removed the window winder, door handle and armrest pocket. I can then partially loosen the panel, but it's held by four screws that are inaccessible. The bottom screws are blocked by the plastic 'door step' which is held in place by screws that can only be accessed with the door open. The top screws, being on the sides of the panel, can also only be removed with the door open. While I can partially release the middle of the panel there's not enough room to reach all in the way to operate the latch.
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 Post subject: Re: Can't open door: handles disconnected
Posted: Fri Jan 12, 2018 11:36 pm 
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Cackle61 wrote:
Yes, I've tried. I have removed the window winder, door handle and armrest pocket. I can then partially loosen the panel, but it's held by four screws that are inaccessible. The bottom screws are blocked by the plastic 'door step' which is held in place by screws that can only be accessed with the door open. The top screws, being on the sides of the panel, can also only be removed with the door open. While I can partially release the middle of the panel there's not enough room to reach all in the way to operate the latch.



i removed rear lower seat, side bolster, 'B' pillar cover, maybe rubber trim & i was able to get to all screws. i did use the thinnest, long screwdriver & possibly a bent one. the side & lower ones are a little 'offline' but yes can be done with patience. for the ones on the bottom of the door you 'may' have to be a 'little' forcefull on the 'door step'.

it was the only way i could get that door open as the outside handle was disconnected & inner was locked off via the childproof lock.
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 Post subject: Re: Can't open door: handles disconnected
Posted: Sat Jan 13, 2018 4:31 pm 
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OK, I've done it without removing the door trim! I did remove the seat base and side bolster just for a clearer view. Using the other door as a reference, I worked out that I could create a small gap between the door metal and the soft foam seal under the quarter window and insert a ruler to activate the latch. A little bit of jiggling and the door opened. :D
Now my problem is the replacement actuator won't lock! :x
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 Post subject: Re: Can't open door: handles disconnected
Posted: Sat Jan 13, 2018 5:41 pm 
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Cackle61 wrote:
OK, I've done it without removing the door trim! I did remove the seat base and side bolster just for a clearer view. Using the other door as a reference, I worked out that I could create a small gap between the door metal and the soft foam seal under the quarter window and insert a ruler to activate the latch. A little bit of jiggling and the door opened. :D


well there you go :mrgreen:

Cackle61 wrote:
Now my problem is the replacement actuator won't lock! :x



:evil: .... 2ndhand? or :?:
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 Post subject: Re: Can't open door: handles disconnected
Posted: Sat Jan 13, 2018 6:09 pm 
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New off ebay. I've already sent a message to the seller.
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