S Type (05) - Rear door won't open

[John D9395]

Any guidance appreciated

Rear passenger door won't open / unlock (in addition, chil lock is also activated!)

The solenoid doesn't sound as loud as the other doors, possible failure?

Q1 - How do you open the door when it won't unlock / open?

Q2 - Once open, how does the door trip remove without damage?

When it happened (not at home), after a few efforts I got the door to open, but had to close to drive home. Hoping I can repeat this proceedure with a few efforts / spare time, so question 2 is my main concern as I don't want to cause damage / pay main dealer prices (£100 / hour is a little high just to open a door!).

Any help is appreciated

[Simpo Two]

Mine (01) did this on a very frozen morning. I eventually opened it from the inside and giving it a good shove. It was just frozen up.

[John D9395]

No, it wasn't just frozen, it was just mechanically stiff.

I trusted my 8 year old to move the internal 'lock / unlock' rocker backwards & forwards which was a mistake. I assumed he had moved it all the way, but obviously only to the point where it got stiff.

I have now operated internal rocker several times myself, and the door is now locking & unlocking on the remote, but when you open the door from the outside handle, the operation seems stiff.

If anyone has instructions as to how to remove the inside door panel so I can clean / grease, it would be appreciated.

[Simpo Two]

I don't know how the door comes apart, but you can get spray grease in a can with a tube like on WD40 - would that help?

[John D9395]

Yes it would (that's the plan, I already have some), bit I need to get inside the door to spray the bit that needs lubrication.

[Simpo Two]

Ah, I was hoping you could push the little tube through a chink somewhere and so lubricate it without any dismantling.

Might be an idea to take it your local dealer or garage and ask if they can quickly show you.