QuestionQUESTION: Reasonably good myself with things mechanical, but stumped with this one.
-The driver side sliding door was closed "normally" and now won't open from the inside or outside.
-Panels off the door and all the actuating rods are functioning properly.
-Found out about the gas door linkage and took panel off inside rear quarter. It also appears to be functioning properly.
-Disconnected actuating rod from the main mechanism jumble to ensure rod was being pulled fully to unlock the door. No joy.
-The problem, of course, is that both the lock mechanism and whatever mechanism there is for the gas door interlock are attached to the door jamb with screws/bolts in the gap between the door and the quarter panel... which of course, is inaccessible with the door stuck in the closed position.
-Tried "actuating" the door release and kicking at the door from the inside, near the locking mechanism. No joy.
Basic problem, at this point, is how to get the door open so I can remove/inspect/repair/replace the problem component.
- Sorry it's so long. Thought telling all would be best.
ANSWER: Hi Cal,
I believe that I responded to your question earlier. I offer to send you the pages from the '98 manual that describe the mechanism, but there is nothing specific about the driver's side door.
Roland
PS: Sorry for the delay, I just found your question in the "pool" yesterday.
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Briefly as possible...
There are 2 "large" rivet heads visible on the latch mechanism looking from inside the door. With my dremel tool, I ground them off and with a couple of hits with a punch on each rivet shaft, the latch assembly comes apart. I should mention that I had to cut two horiz slits in the inside door framework to bend a piece of the door to the rear to give better access. Just bend it back when the job is done.
In my case, however, that wasn't the problem (a $61 bad guess)
The gas door latch "striker plate" is also visible from inside the door, just below the main latch assembly. Two bolts are visible (coming from outside the door, in the jamb area)... as is a large rivet head in the center. Visualize a "band-aid" with the rivet head where the "pad" would be located. I cut through the metal above and below the rivet head with the Dremel and a cutoff disc. Popped the now-loosened center portion out with a screwdriver and Voila... the danged door opened.
Looking at the gas door mechanism inside the rear quarter panel, it APPEARED to be working, but it was obviously not.
Hope this info helps someone, some day. And thanks for your effort and interest.
AnswerHi Cal,
Thanks so much for that progress report on how you solved the problem. I have noted it in my records so if someone else has the problem they will receive this information. As well this history will be in the data base of Allexperts as I made the exchange 'public'. I hope this meets with your approval.
Roland
