1987 944s Driver's door won't open.

Madmax64 · 06-10-2020, 03:44 PM

Hi, I just bought an '87 944 S and the driver's door is stuck closed. I knew this when I bought it but the deal was too good to pass up considering the rest of the mechanical systems.

I searched the web and forums and this seems like a common issue with 944 door being stuck closed. Most threads mention the grease in the latch dries up and the mechanism can't operate. I notice the drivers door look is down in the locked position. I can't pull it up with my hand, and when using the key the pull does move a little, but there is a lot of resistance turning the key. I shot some kruel oil in the lock and am letting that soak in, but any suggestions or anyone have this issue before?

Madmax64 · 06-12-2020, 09:49 AM

I made SOME headway, but no success yet.

I was able to pull the top of the door panel out enough so I can see down inside the door. I'm not sure what to push on. I see things move, but my guess is it's not enough to unlatch the door. I'll have to take the passenger door apart so I can see what's going on with a working door.

mytrplseven · mytrplseven's Garage

I just dealt with this matter due to my body shop reinstalling door mechanisms improperly. The best way to deal with this is expose the door frame from the inside, lower the window and remove the 8mm bolt at rear of the window track (it's under the track rubber). then raise the window and then tape it up with lots of tape. Unbolt and remove the electric door lock and it's nylon link (if it's installed on this car). Unbolt and lower the window regulator forward and out of the way. Disconnect the inner door handle wire rod from the inner handle and move out of the way. Remove the 8mm bolt at the bottom of the rear window track and twist and remove the track. You should now be able to remove the outer door handle by removing screw in rear, outside top of the door. There's youtube videos available (see Google) that help with the repairs and visuals on these mechanisms. I removed the entire door latch mechanism and cleaned and lubed it before doing repairs. I also bought new door latch links on ebay for the repairs. Good luck.

Madmax64 · 06-26-2020, 01:24 AM

I finally had a little time to look at my 944 S. I took the top screw of the door panel out and that allows me to pop the panel out far enough to see down inside the door. It looks like a plastic piece is broken on the drivers side and fell down and now doesn't allow the lock to unlock. When I compare it to the passenger side it is definitely dropped down out of place. At first I thought it was completely missing.

So the question is, how to I disengage the lock if it looks like something is blocking the movement? Next question is once I get the door open, is there a way to disconnect the lock until I get the new part? At least I'll be able to open and close the door.

TheSecondChris · TheSecondChris's Garage

The white plastic piece is needed to lock/unlock with the key but it is not part of the manual mechanism. You say that you can’t pull up on the button. Why is that? Is it jammed or is it recessed in the door?

Madmax64 · 06-26-2020, 04:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheSecondChris

The white plastic piece is needed to lock/unlock with the key but it is not part of the manual mechanism. You say that you can’t pull up on the button. Why is that? Is it jammed or is it recessed in the door?

I got the screws out of the door panel and was able to get it out far enough to put my hand in. The lock moves slightly but won't release. I sprayed it down good and am letting the penetrating oil soak in. I also got the plastic piece back in place, but as you said that didn't really help. I don't want to force it and break something.

TheSecondChris · TheSecondChris's Garage

Are you trying to open the lock by moving the vertical metal rod or by rotating the lock cylinder with the key? Also, are you trying to open the door using both the inside lever and also the door handle. It may be that only one of them is problematic, but not the other.

I could imagine that the lock is jammed or maybe the cylinder was changed at some point and your key doesn't work - but I can't see any issues manually moving the metal rod connected to the lock button.

You said that you got a good deal on the car and so can afford some parts, if needed. It's good you are being careful with the latch mechanism and it will probably turn out to be something simple, however if you do happen to mess something up then used ones are not too expensive - i.e. $40.

There are some good posts here and also youtube videos showing how the mechanism works that might shine a light on what could be wrong with yours.

Madmax64 · 06-26-2020, 06:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheSecondChris

Are you trying to open the lock by moving the vertical metal rod or by rotating the lock cylinder with the key? Also, are you trying to open the door using both the inside lever and also the door handle. It may be that only one of them is problematic, but not the other.

I could imagine that the lock is jammed or maybe the cylinder was changed at some point and your key doesn't work - but I can't see any issues manually moving the metal rod connected to the lock button.

You said that you got a good deal on the car and so can afford some parts, if needed. It's good you are being careful with the latch mechanism and it will probably turn out to be something simple, however if you do happen to mess something up then used ones are not too expensive - i.e. $40.

There are some good posts here and also youtube videos showing how the mechanism works that might shine a light on what could be wrong with yours.

I tried everything, opening from the inside, outside, unlocking by pulling the lock up... tried the key... nadda.

$40 isn't bad at all and I'll get new mechanism, but I have to get the door open first! I don't think a locksmith could do anything either. Something is broke or bound up inside the door.

Madmax64 · 11:52 PM

I am so frustrated I feel like selling this stupid car!

I've looked up lots of threads and videos on this but can't seem to find where I need to press/pull to activate the latch. From what I see on the passenger side when the lock is engaged it moves the piece that unlatches the door out of the way and the handles then don't hit it. I can see how it works on the passenger side, but being stuck locked, I just can't figure out a way to unlatch the driver's door.

And on top of this, when I got it home something happened and all the PS fluid dumped! Zero problems driving it 2 hours home, in fact I commented on how much nicer it was to drive than my C3 Vette! Then I moved it into the garage and saw the HUGE puddle. The previous owner did just put in a new power steering pump and lines so I am hoping something just came loose.