How to 'open' a stuck door

[coopns]

95 Taurus. The back door will not open. I took the screws out from ashtray and one around the handle, that is all I could fine. Could kind of move the door handle aside but seems to be stuck around the other side, maybe up near the lock? I can't figure out any other way to get at it other then ripping the door panel off.

Any suggestions?

 

[StevieC]

The door is most likely clipped in place around the edges. Take out all the screws you can fine and then the door panel should pull towards out and then up.

It can be a PITA if the door isn't open when trying to take it apart.

Will the door not open with either lever outside/in?

 

[Kestas]

Did someone try to "slim jim" the door? That kind of attempt can pop off a rod.

 

[eljefino]

Well you have another back door that's its mirror image. Unfortunately the panel probably overlaps the opening and you won't be able to get it out without destroying it.

I bought a van with a rear hatch jammed like someone locked it while the handle was being pulled. Wound up I cut open the inside and got at the latch works inside the door. You could if you had all the time in the world carefully take apart the opposide door to see where you could make a 1 inch hole, like you're cracking a safe, to get at the rods inside.

What are spare doors at the junkyard, $30? I would go bananas on what you have then decide if you can live with how you eventually cobble it back together.

 

[mechtech2]

It is really rare that a door won't open from the inside when the outside handle is broken.
Did you try this obvious method?
Eljefino has a good idea about using the other side as a model.
Also, some cars have a 'child safety' feature that locks out the door handles functions. Check into this as well.

 

[StevieC]

I was thinking about that too mechtech2. I thought maybe the child safety latch switch (if equipped) got flipped and that is why it won't open from the inside but outside.

I'm sure the OP tried that and felt bad to suggest it.

 

[swalve]

I had that problem on a Dodge. The handles sort of slipped in their seats and didn't pull hard enough on the internal linkages. Had to pull really hard on the handle to get it to "catch", and then I was able to open the door.

Failing that, get someone on the outside to pull the handle from the side, and then get in the car and try to kick the door open. That might be enough to encourage it to open so you can get inside and repair it.

 

[ViragoBry]

If clearance is an issue, it might help to remove the bottom cushion of the back seat.

 

[andyd]

What swalve said X2 that is how I have dealt with trouble on my Grand Wagoneers.