Door problems ahead ?

[WokingWedger]

Went to get in my 97 Chim yesterday and pushed the under mirror button, and heard the solenoid go clunk, but the door didnt pop open. Tried it a couple of times, same result.

Luckly it was in my garage and the window was open for the trickle charger, so I leant in and used the knob in the tunnel.

After I shut the door again it all worked fine.
But what happens if it does it again and I have locked the car.

I could try pulling the door with my fingernails in the window seal, but I would rather fix the problem.

Any thoughts ?

[bigdods]

Was the door jammed or did it just need some help popping open ? My drivers door tends to stick closed as its not got much spring in it. Sometimes I have to pull at the door while pressing the button to open it. In my case I just need to adjust the striker plate for the lock so that there is more outward pressure , then when its opened it will have enough spring to break free and open.

[WokingWedger]

Dodsy,

No it wasnt jammed, it just didnt spring open as normal.

Maybe I need to clean/lubricate the latching mechanism, which presumably is what gives it its 'spring'.

If this doesnt work, I may start adjusting things as you say.

[V8 Animal]

Do you have the roof on when this happens?
If you do it will have extra pressure on the door if you have'nt got the adjustment just right.
Just a thought.

[WokingWedger]

Good thinking Paul.

I had recently removed the roof to fit a new hoop seal on the folding part, and did struggle to re fit it (compressing the new rubber), so it is entirely possible it isnt located quite centrally.

I will check.

[nikman]

WokingWedger said:

Went to get in my 97 Chim yesterday and pushed the under mirror button, and heard the solenoid go clunk, but the door didnt pop open. Tried it a couple of times, same result.

Luckly it was in my garage and the window was open for the trickle charger, so I leant in and used the knob in the tunnel.

After I shut the door again it all worked fine.
But what happens if it does it again and I have locked the car.

Any thoughts ?

Errrm, yes... Walk round to the other door and open that one?

Presumably the window which was open slightly was also on the same side as the non-opening door. IF NOT, check that the rubber roof seal (where the top of the door window meets the edge of the roof) isn't just sitting on top of the window edge restraining the door from opening. If it was the same side then as someone else suggested, it may be the leading edge of the 'hoop' that's catching it.