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Rover 216EFi door won't open so can't get trim panel off to repair the catch (Catch 22?)

Hi

This is a Rover 216SE EFi 1982-89 model (box shape).

I can't open the drivers door from outside or inside, but I can get in through the passenger door.

The key turns and activates the central locking, and the button pops up and down, but I can't then open the door with either the inner or outside handles. The handles move freely but do not appear to be connected to the catch mechanism, which stays defiantly locked.

I thought it would be an easy thing to fix, just pop off the door trim panel and re-connect the rod that has probably come adrift, or at worst take out and fix the catch.

The only problem is that it seems impossible to remove the door trim panel to access the rods, because most of the fixings are behind the now closed door frame. If you recall, you normally have the door open when taking off the trim.

Is there a trick I've missed or do I need to hack a hole through the trim panel - which would make an ugly mess of it?

Thanks for any suggestions.

Phil The uk.d-i-y FAQ is at

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Phil
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A real catch 22 situation. All I can suggest, but I don't hold much hope for it's success, is to poke a piece of stiff wire with a hook, down the side of the weatherstrip, and fish around. Taking the other side off might give an idea of what you're looking for. If it were mine, I think I'd just get a similar door card in the breakers. Should be easy enough to find one that matches. Then it wont matter about damaging the one fitted. Mike.

Reply to
Mike G

[snip]

Dead right!!

I have taken the other side off, that's how I confirmed there are screws behind the door frame, so I at least know what to look for.

I'll try the fishing idea, it might just do something.

Good idea, I'll scout around, though last time I had to travel 40 miles to breaker with parts for this model, but that was for an EFi specific ECU so I may be lucky. Its getting to be a rare beast though.

Phil The uk.d-i-y FAQ is at

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Phil

You could try using a bit of strong hooked wire between the door and window to lift the lock lever. If you can't manage it ask any 16 year old.

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Dave Plowman (News)

:-)

-- Phil Replace NOSPAM with bigfoot to reply

Reply to
Phil

Finding a door card that matches should be a lot easier, as it could be common to other Rover models that have the same doors. Mike.

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Mike G

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