Door latch issue on 71 - handle doesn't open door from outside

[techweenie]

I can open the door using the inside release, but the outside door handle does not push the "plate" on the door latch mechanism.

Normally, there's a part with a couple 'ears' at the top of the inner door latch mechanism that when pushed (and the door latch unlocked) opens the door. Not working for me. I pulled the outer handle and I cannot push hard enough on that part to release the door. In the past when I've had this problem, I had another latch mechanism handy. But if there's a way to repair, I'd sure like to know. I did a search and couldn't find a thread, though I know this happens to other people!



In the picture on the lower left is the part the 'plunger' from the outer door handle pushes on...

[bgyglfr]

Did you check the trigger in the outside door handle. I just had one break and it did exactly the same thing you described. It broke right where it attaches to the hinge point and caused it to not have enough throw to open the door.


73T
68L

[E Sully]

Very good chance the trigger is cracked.
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsche-911-technical-forum/809221-74-911s-door-handle-problem-not-enough-stroke.html

[techweenie]

Trigger is fine

The latch lever itself will not release.

I've removed the outer handle, and nothing will make the latch release, no matter how hard I push on it. This happened once before on the other side latch and I took the easy route and replaced it. Just thinking that since I'm cursed to run into this problem, I should know the fix, if there is one.

[kens_74_911s]

Originally Posted by techweenie

I can open the door using the inside release, but the outside door handle does not push the "plate" on the door latch mechanism.

Normally, there's a part with a couple 'ears' at the top of the inner door latch mechanism that when pushed (and the door latch unlocked) opens the door. Not working for me. I pulled the outer handle and I cannot push hard enough on that part to release the door. In the past when I've had this problem, I had another latch mechanism handy. But if there's a way to repair, I'd sure like to know. I did a search and couldn't find a thread, though I know this happens to other people!



In the picture on the lower left is the part the 'plunger' from the outer door handle pushes on...

Figure anything out on this latch issue? I just replaced my drivers door handle trigger lever and am finding similar hard to unlatch. Probably why the trigger broke in the first place. Just checked the action with door open. Clicked the latch on door as if door was closed and tried the handle action (holding it in place) and its very difficult to get it to unlatch to pop the lock lever back up. I will be pulling the latch mechanism and looking into it.

I was using the car last week without the handle and able to push the release on the latch through the door opening and open the car, but now looking at putting my rebuilt handle back on and seems I need to see whats up with the latch before I break the trigger again. I did make the handle trigger replacement from steel so its likely more robust, but no reason to work it that hard if something is wrong with the latch.
Back at you later once I pull it - LMK if you made any discoveries that will help.

Ken

[kens_74_911s]

Looks like I need to pull the window frame to allow the latch to come free, didn't expect that, not that it's that hard to, do just forgot that... While digging around in the door, I was able to test the push action with my hand and can feel its binding some. I may try and get some spray lube on it before I take the plunge and pull the window frame.