Door stuck shut

[LotusDave]

Hi Chaps,

I'm at the very start of my Lotus project, so will be working on different areas to start with.

The first sticking point is the passenger door, it refuses to open. I sprayed WD40 into the latch and pulled the handle from inside while pushing on the door, nothing, Then there was a snapping noise from the latch, which I fear means it will never open!!

I managed to pull the door trim away a bit and remove a plastic cover, but with a torch I can only just see the latch inside the door casing.

Any ideas guys? I don't want to damage the door, or start levering on it.

Cheers, Dave

[jeff.fenton]

I've had this happen twice, both times I managed to get the door open by removing the rubbing strip that runs along the gap between the window glass and door top, (should come out with a steady upwards pull, if no-one has stuck it in place). Then used a cut up wire coat hanger, about 12" long with a 1/2" hook to fish down the gap above the door handle. Can take a while, but the click/door opening relief is directly proportionate to the time it takes. Stopping it happening again has been covered at length, see "Search" facility. Good luck, Jeff.

[MetBlue]

Any idea when it was last open?
Have you ever seen it open?
I'd think you'd be very unlucky if BOTH the external and internal door handles have stopped operating the latch. Maybe with an extra pair of hands, try unlocking both internal and external simultaneously then repeat for the opening latch.
I ask about when it last opened as the hinge can seize up. If it has, you'll probably have a very rusty beam and risk tearing the door off when you force it open. Sounds dramatic, but repairs to door beams are one of the common repair jobs the cars often need.
Tony

[Doc Si]

As above. We managed to rip the pivot tube off one of my door beams when it rotted and stopped the door opening.

[DavidOliver]

Dave, you may not be aware but through this Forum you can suscribe to the Excel parts manual (30 pounds I think).
It is very complete and most usefull for visualising parts.

If I knew how to post a file I could send you a diagram of the door latch, otherwise send me a PM and I can e-mail you back.

Dave the cog.

[Tanz]

[rbgosling]

I had an issue with my passenger door that it had to be pushed/pulled slightly inwards while pulling the handle, then it would open outwards (whether opening from the inside or out). This was eventually sorted by adjusting the catch on the B-pillar inwards a bit.

This probably isn't the solution to your problem, but it's such an easy thing to try it's worth a shot!!

[LotusDave]

Thanks Chaps for your help.

Both handles were pulling the release part of the door latch, but to make sure I made the suggested hooked piece of wire and after quite a while (I do like a challenge) hooked the door latch, so I was able to give it an extra pull, along with pushing the door in against the door seal and then a helper then pushing on the door from the inside as I pull on the outside...still won't open.

So as the door gap is quite big, I managed to get a fine toothed saw blade in and cut through the door latch hook, which was harder than it sounds. The door opened, those of you who said about a seized door hinge bolt were right. The door did open but then broke away from the hinge and came off!

Dave

[Hawaiis0]

The door did open but then broke away from the hinge and came off!

Dave

ouch!

[MetBlue]

It's heavy isn't it. Did it miss your toes?
Well done though. All progress and it's a big plus to know your door beams will be tip top once rebuilt.
Tony

[Doc Si]

https://www.dropbox.com/s/z87qvgdj27ygs ... .JPG?raw=1