Muskrat

Hope someone can help me with this door problem for my 01 Alero coupe.
I try to open the door from the outside, but it's like it's locked. I know it's UNlocked but the door won't open. This problem is intermittent.

How can I take off the door panel to work on this problem?
(OK, for those reading who might be known as my Personal Mechanics ... what I mean to say is "how do We take off the door panel so YOU/WE can work on this problem")

Lucky I'm flexible enough crawl through the trunk & across the back seats to reach for the handle INSidE .. but would Much rather be able to open the door standing outside like a normal driver ... besides, the neighbours are starting to wonder what I'm up to

Thank You ALL

Jamesbo

Before we can help you with your door, we're going to need a video of the way your opening it now.

Muskrat

cheeky, aren't'cha Jamesbo?! do you KNOW how Hard it is to hold the video camera at Just the right angle when i'm hopping over the bumper to land in the trunk Just Riiiight, allowing me to slide with *cough* Ease over the folded down seats and make that final stretch to the door handle!?! YOU try IT! hahahaa

citcapp

Jamsbo could never make and I would die laughing watching this, infact I would pay to see it

Are you using a key or the remote or does it not make a difference either way?

Lady72nRob71

Send me your address and I will ship ya a spare tripod to use - I want to see this... It sounds like you have it down to one smooth action! Actually a "helmet cam" would be appropriate here!

I assume the passenger door is malfunctioning also?


I still have a chunk of dynamat that I reserved for ol' Jamesbo.... My interior makeover thread reveals its purpose.

Muskrat

Yes, passenger door has been acting the same for a bit. but I like to ride solo, so I didn't miss the fact that the psngr door wasn't working.

Citcapp ... *twirls blonde hair* lemme see if the door works with the key! *blushes* I've gotten SO used to using the remote with that car ... hahaha!

NO ... still trouble.

Jamesbo

Well If you're not going to post a video I guess you could check the battery in the remote.

Muskrat

the battery in the remote is just fine, friend. I am working on that video for you. gotta practice first, with a CrashTestDummy .. get the angles & lighting Just Right.

Cameo White

I used to have an 89 Dogde Daytona that had a similar problem. The rod running from the handle to the latch mechanism got bent over time, and if it was rotated just a bit, it wouldn't work right. I could get it to work by really leaning heavily on the door while pulling the handle up beyond its normal range.
Eventually took the panel off, straightened out the rod and it went back to normal (at least long enough to trade it for the 94 Cutlass convertible).

Muskrat

OK, Thanks CameoW. this is helpful but I'm even having trouble with how to get the door Panel off .. without breaking things & cussing like a sailor. *no offence to any sailors .. i like to swear!*

Cameo White

Can't help you there. I don't have a manual for your car. I'm sure someone will chime in with the correct procedure soon.

Lady72nRob71

I just ran across this and hoped it might help ya...
https://classicoldsmobile.com/forums...oor-panel.html

We still await the video!

citcapp

I believe your electric lock solenoids are hanging up for ssome reason. More then likley moisture has caused rust and they just need a good cleaning.

Lady72nRob71

A very likely cause... Definetely a sticky situation!

Muskrat

Thanx All! poor Alero will have to wait til after the Nationals. We're packed & off to the USA now!! I appreciate everyone's help and support. See you There! (unless I'm taking pictures for you to share upon my return).
Cheers!

gbrewer

Great pic with Linda Vaughn Ms. Hurst. I've been a huge fan of her since I was drolling over her calanders in my dads garage in the`60's