Somewhat urgent: passenger door will not open, latch won't budge

[Sukhoi]

Ok, I don't like having to break into my own car, but I failed at it anyway.

My passenger door doesn't open. I've tried stripping the latch with some sheet steel, but the latch won't budge (inside the door panel.

I think somethigns jammed in there, but to get the door panel off I have to have the door open.

any ideas on how I can get the door open (apart from breaking something)?

the details:

Both the inside and outside handle have alot less tension on them than the drivers door. the inside handle WAS working, buit spontaeneous quit working, but while it was working, you had to pull it WAY back to get the door open.

When I peeked down the door panel, I noticed the linkage between the outside handle and the latch mechanism was gone. can't see far enough to know the fate of the interior handle.

its a 74 challenger if it helps any. any help would be GREATLY appreciated.

thanks ina dvance!

[Bullitt-]

The only option I can think of is to roll your window down & slide a coathanger down to the latch & see if you can hook the latch release. 

[Carlwalski]

  Or, try lifting it up/down & side to side hard while trying to open it, I mean hard.

[Sukhoi]

Well, odly enough, the door just opened on its own when I wasn't payign attention and pulled the latch...

now I need to take off the panel and fix whatever's wrong down there. but its too hot today, mabye tomorrow.

plus I've been up since noon

yesterday

[Challenger6pak]

Sounds like the nylon bushing attachments have worn out in you car.  This has allowed your door handle rod linkage to come loose. You may be able to get the door open with out any or much damage.  Where this rod attaches downward pressure will activate the the door latch mechanism.  You can use a good slim jim for this. I know your door handle is in place. These pics may help you to find where you need to go.  Push down on the part that is circled.  Go in with the slim jim just like you are trying to trip the lock. Don't pull too hard on the door handle or it will break. 

[Bullitt-]

May be the strike post? is adjusted too far in. seems like I had that issue some where along the line. Otherwise remove clean & lubricate!

[Sukhoi]

The problem was that the latch mechanism jsut wouldn't move.

I already tried pushing down on the mechanism itself, to no avail.

oh well, its opening now, So I'll just get in there and check it out

[Sukhoi]

Fixed, I just replaced the linkage.

[4Cruizn]

Sometimes alittle oil wouldn't hurt either!   

[wiging19]

  I had the same problem with mine.  I thought I fixed it but now it won't lock from the outside with the key but the interior lock works fine.  I don't have a problem opening the door any more.  Any suggestions??

[MEK-Dangerfield]

I had the same problem with mine.  I thought I fixed it but now it won't lock from the outside with the key but the interior lock works fine.  I don't have a problem opening the door any more.  Any suggestions??

When you put the key in the door and turn it, what happens? Does it turn easily with no locking happening, or does it not turn at all?

  Mike

[Challenger6pak]

Sounds like the door lock rod came loose.

[wiging19]

When you put the key in the door and turn it, what happens? Does it turn easily with no locking happening, or does it not turn at all?

  Mike

The key just turns but you don't feel any tension/preasure when you turn.

[Super Blue 72]

Sounds like the door lock rod came loose.

 

[MEK-Dangerfield]

The key just turns but you don't feel any tension/preasure when you turn.

Like was mentioned, the door lock rod popped out on you. It is probably laying in the bottom of your door. For whatever reason, these rods were missing in action on my car. I hope that isn't the case with you as they are not that easy to find.

  Mike