Passenger door will not open (944)

tnstaafl · 02-04-2002, 07:36 AM

The passenger door of my 85.5 944 won't open. It was working fine the other day. I took my son someplace (it must be his fault!) and now the door will NOT open. The key appears to unlock the door (lock button raises and lowers) but that's it. Door can't be open from inside or outside. No, I haven't lowered the window and yanked hard on the door. Thought I would cool off and ask a question first.

I've searched threads for a similar subject but either searched wrong or there wasn't a match. I know that if I could get the door panel off I could probably figured it out but I think that's going to be difficult with the door closed.

I have the owners manual and Haynes and am waiting for a copy of the full manuals.

The only other info I have is that I believe my son pushed down the lock button and then closed the door. I don't know if he held the outside door release as he closed the door. I beat him but he couldn't remember.

- tnstaafl

Scott R · Scott R's Garage

This happened to me as well. There is an operating rod with a plastic ball and socket setup, the socket is plastic and is threaded to adjust the door hondle. That plastic socket breaks sometimes. I don't have my PET with me or I would get you the part number. Tiny thing about the size of your index finger. I found a replacement on a VW in the junk yard.

tnstaafl · 02-04-2002, 08:14 AM

Thanks for the repy. Please bear with me as this is my first 944. Do you mean the part on the door that you lock / unlock the door from inside the car? Or are you talking about a part that is inside the door assembly?

Also, is there any way to open the door? Sorry to sound so dumb.

- tnstaafl

Scott R · Scott R's Garage

I wish I had a picture, but it is inside the door. The rod goes to the actual "button" on the outer door. But it's internal to the door and connects the striker mechanisim to the outer door handle button. You will need to remove the door skin from inside the car to get the door open at this point. It's kind of a pain but I don't know of another way.

tnstaafl · 02-06-2002, 09:12 AM

Thanks for the info. I'm going to try to find someone with a slimjim to see if I can get the door open. Don't think it's possible to remove inside door panel with door closed.

Last resort, I'll go to a lock shop to get the door opened.

Thanks again for the info.

- tnstaafl