Auto body repair & detailing: back door, release spring, latch


Question
i have a 92 jetta and the drivers side back door does not open at all, not from the outside or the inside. i squeeze the handle and its lose like its not latched on to anything. the other side back door is the same way but it opens from the inside. how can i fix these problems?

Answer
The latch is probably corroded and the lock is jammed in lock position. Lock the door all the way. Lightly pound with your fist in the latch area. do not touch the handle. Unlock the door, try to open it. This may take a few times. Once you get it open, shoot wd-40 in the latch. Always unlock the doors before you open them, the lock release spring will not pull the lock back when they are corroded.