|
|
|
This might be a red herring, but after the first really cold day of the year (wind chills near zero, barely 22 degrees)my driver's side door will not open. I had been having problems with the door latch engaging before it stopped working completely and I also locked the door. Any ideas if it could be the lock not disengaging, or if the latch has broken? From the inside I feel no resistance when I pull back the door handle.
This, of course, happens right before the long drive down to the parents' for Thanksgiving.
rachel
|
|
|
|
|
Hey Rachel,
Climbing in through the passenger side gets undiginifying after a while....
I actually READ your post again and it made me think of something else. I'm sure you've now gone and sprayed tons of freeing fluid in there now. You say that the latching mechanism for the driver's door wasn't always engaging properly. This is related to the locking mechanism staying partly locked at all times. Roll down the window, and using the outside door handle, hold it out and repeatedly pop the inside lock knob up and down. This should get it loose. After that, do as I said, pop the interior panel off and grease everything.
As far as I know, without being able to open the door, it's a PITA to get the interior door panel off without breaking things.
E-mail me if you need any more help. richink@hotmail.com
Richard
87 245 DL 370,000 km
82 242 GLT 121,000 km
|
|
|
|
|
Hi Richard and all you who responded
It turns out it was the lock -- the boyfriend fiddled with it for a minute and got it to open! So no climbing over the stick shift on the long drive to grandma's house.
Thanks for all of your suggestions -- always much appreciated.
Rachel j.
|
|
|
|
|
Hey Rachel-
What happens when you work the lock-button up and down and/or use your key? The lock uses a pretty simple "rod & lever". If Rich's suggestion doesn't get it open, my advice would be to take off the inner doorpanel. This is a wicked PITA on a door that won't open- don't ask me how I know, it's too embarrasing -but it's JUST possible if you're careful and the panel is willing to flex just a bit. Next, spray PB Blaster or similar into the latch and levers, rods, etc. Another possiblity is one or more of the clips breaking or coming loose. Maybe you locked the door, and on unlocking, the frozen mechanism gave enough resistance to break or pop loose the clip?
Good luck!
Matt
|
|
|
|
|
Hi Matt,
I can push down and pull up the lock on the inside and do the same with the key. Also this has an alarm w/keyless entry on it, put on a few years ago, and when I press the locking button on it the lock button will go up and down. (The alarm wasn't engaged when the door stopped working). So perhaps the button rod has disengaged from the lock mechanism?
Unfortunately, I'm at work, so I can't try and get the door panel off to check anything out.
Rachel
|
|
|
|
|
Thanks for all of the info; hopefully, I can get it figured out soon. Going in the passenger side door is ok - if I remember to clear the shifter! The locks have always been a little stiff to operate, so it's probably time to take a look at them.
|
|
|
|
|
Well, if the movement of the lock button is accompanied by a "clunk-clunk", I'd say it's still connected. Even if not, the key-tumbler should still trip the lock, I think. Does the key turn cleanly?
Maybe one of the rivets or springs holding the latch together inside has broken? Or maybe the pin that the lock pushes on to turn the lock-latch thingy got sheared off? I guess I'd have to fall back on Rich's suggestion of warming and lubing... Or, climbing in from the passenger side.
If and when you take the panel off, you'll need some kind of V-shaped piece of metal or something to pop the bottom clips- hold onto one side of the V, slip the other under the panel. I had to remove the threshold trim and the trim around the door opening to get clearance. It's still gonna need to be "firmly coached". Volvo door panels are about the most resilient and re-attachable I've ever come across, hopefully you'll have no problems- Hell, hopefully the next time you try the door, it'll just @$#! work!
Sorry I can't be more helpful, but even observing while operating the lock on a spare door I have, I don't entirely understand how it works. :(
Good Luck,
Matt
|
|
|
|
|
Hey Rachel,
Sounds like a fun problem especially with the door closed. I'm going on the idea that the door is just frozen up on the inside. I guess the first step would be to lift up the outside door handle and spray some freeing fluid (PB Blaster or Liquid Wrench) in there. Try some in the keyhole as well. Let it soak for a bit and try it then. If that doesn't work, try a hairdryer on the area around the keyhole and the door handle, or get it inside to a warm place. If that gets it open, take off the inside door panel and grease everything.
Happy Bricking!!!
Richard
87 245 DL 370,000 km
82 242 GLT 121,000 km
|
|
|
|
|
About oils in the keyhole...
I don't do that, If the lock has gunk in it I blast it out with
(mild) solvent (isopropanol) then put graphite in...
oil holds dust and dirt and gets gummy and I don't want that in my locks
Thats what my locksmith friend says anyway
so there's my 20 mill
Miguel
--
My First Volvo - stock (for now) '84 244, 230+kmi. Owned it since 9/03
|
|
|
|
|
Hi Richard,
Thanks for the info. Unfortunately, today is much warmer (about 40 and sunny) but the door still won't open. :-(
|
|
|
|
|
