Locking problem

[Riggie]

Hi all, I have a 5GT 535d which I love. However, my wife has a Fiat Panda runaround. For what it is, not a bad little car and suits her short journeys.

Problem is that I can't get one of the rear passenger doors open. The central locking unlocks all the other doors, but not that one. The child lock was on as well. I managed to get the door panel off the closed door and had a delve inside.

All the linking cables from the outside door handle and inside door pull are in place. It would seem that the electric part of the door lock mechanism is stuck in the locked position. This wouldn't be a problem if I could open the door as I could remove the complete mechanism.

Any ideas how I can get this door open? (sorry but I don't have a sledge hammer)

[RUSSELLM]

No experience of that car, but getting the trim off a closed door is a good achievement

If the internal cable is connected, I’m surprised it won’t pull it open.

If you can see the lock mechanism, see if it has a little hole in the side of it. I’d expect to see a little release inside it.

[E-bmw]

It sounds like the door actuator is goosed.

You should be able to unclip to mechanism off the top to open it manually with the door card off & then simply replace it.

[Riggie]

E-bmw said:

It sounds like the door actuator is goosed.

You should be able to unclip to mechanism off the top to open it manually with the door card off & then simply replace it.

Using a mirror, I can see the electrical connector plugged into the top of the mechanism. Just need to find out how to get it off :-)

[E-bmw]

I generally find if you have the forearms of a 11 year old with 3 extra elbows it is quite easy!

[RUSSELLM]

Is the idea of taking the connector off, to drop the power from the motor ? If so, would it be easier to disconnect the car battery ?

Or do you want the connector off, to remove the mechanism ?

[Riggie]

RUSSELLM said:

Is the idea of taking the connector off, to drop the power from the motor ? If so, would it be easier to disconnect the car battery ?

Or do you want the connector off, to remove the mechanism ?

I tried the battery disconnect route, didn't make any difference. I'm totally snookered on how I get this door open without doing damage.

[RUSSELLM]

Have you had a look on the mechanism, for a small hole ? The locks I work on, tend to have one. I can normally get a small hook in there and flick the override/emergency release.

[shakindog]

Central locking module giving up the ghost.
I believe it’s in the boot somewhere

[Riggie]

RUSSELLM said:

Have you had a look on the mechanism, for a small hole ? The locks I work on, tend to have one. I can normally get a small hook in there and flick the override/emergency release.

Not yet, but I will now, thanks.

[Riggie]

shakindog said:

Central locking module giving up the ghost.
I believe it’s in the boot somewhere

Would that be the case with the central locking working on the other 3 doors?