Door opening woes

[scooter49]

I searched and could not find, apologies if this has already been answered.

Having problems opening the drivers door from the outside (unlocked)
When I lift the door lever, the button drops about 1/2 inch and door does not open. I need to try the lever a few times before the button does not move and the door opens.
If I press firmly on the outside top left of the door and lifl the lever, it opens and the button never drops.


I have taken the door card off and I see the previous owner has ran in to this problem. They have attached a long spring just below the button to furthe down the rod to give it tension. Now not working and would like to do a proper fix. There is a good bit of up and down play on the button rod. Should there be play?

Anybody come accross this problem before?


thanks

[Simon_P]

Can you post a picture of the "fix" please. It could be that causing the problem - what happens if you remove the spring?

[scooter49]

I took it off without taking a photo (doh!)
They had attached to the door just below the button via a self tapper into the fiberglass and stretched it and attached to the rod via what looks like a little circlip. It was attached just before the rod bends in to the door, giving it maximum upwards tension (and eradicating the free play)

Made no difference when I took off.

With the door panel off and the door closed, If i pinch the rod to stop it dropping it opens every time. When I wiggle the rod up and down, there is a good 1/2 inch free movement before it meets resistance and you push further to the locked position. Me thinks there should be no free movement. I just cannot see where it is connecting to because of the door panel and part of the latch in the way.

Here's a pic. I moved the rod away from the door.
The rod is connected to part !. Free movement on part 1. When you move it up and down, you see part 2 moving. But there is no reistence until you push down on the rod

[Simon_P]

So it is pulling it up to stop it locking.

It looks like someone has zinc plated it whole, which means that any internal springs have had it.