1985 Pickup, Window exploded, now door won't open

[Johnny Crab]

HELP!!!!

The driver's door to our 1985 got "slammed" with the window halfway down. The window "exploded" and now the door will not open. I did manage to get the door panel off but still cannot get the latch to function.

I really don't want to hurt the door or truck but HOW can I get this latch to operate?

My mechanic for big jobs says he's never seen one do this before but thinks it may be a small piece of glass somewhere in the latch area keeping it from opening and suggested blowing the latch area with high pressure air to see if any debris would be removed.

Thanks for any advice.

[rwhit57]

It's possible that the latch is just jammed from whomever the nut was that slammed it like that. Try this without pulling the handle or anything get inside and hit/kick what ever the door as hard as possible, if it moves or pops a bit, then it might work with the handle. It could be beyond the latch.

[84_chevy]

wow, what did you say to her to get her that angry.... these trucks are usually really tough

[motornut]

check the lock part
if half-unlocked it can act like that
make sure no rods moved or clips
electric locks do this when seized

[old Rusty C10]

im totally agreement with the air trick just wear safety glasses when you do it..

[RandyP]

If it's actually glass it will come out with just shaking on the door (ok, using your hand as a hammer on the inside is probably better) while moving the door handle and lock. Usually requires the use of a foot as a hammer while pulling the inside door handle and wiggling the lock rod. If it is glass in it, it will either dislodge or get disintegrated while doing all of this.
We see this a lot here in the body shop after accidents. Of course it helps having a second set of hands on the outside pushing and pulling while pushing in the door button.

[TDS-MN]

I had a similar issue with my door jamming shut in the past.

http://trucks125ton.tpub.com/TM-9-23...89-34P_401.htm

If you look at that diagram, you will see how the rods from the lock and handle attach to part 3, the lock/latch mechanism. If you can see that part inside your door, you may be able to identify the little bracket that rocks up and down to lock and unlock the door, at the back edge of the door.

I was able to give this little bracket a shot with a hammer and screwdriver, and get it to pop over and allow the latch to operate. You will need to have the interior door panel off, of course, which it soulds like you were able to do. That can be a challenge if the door is stuck in the closed position, LOL!

If your key in the door, lock rod, or interior & exterior door handles don't seem to work, this could very well be where you need to go to pop the door latch open. I never did find a 'reason' that mine stopped working, other than maybe a lack of lubrication.

Good Luck!!!!

[butch86]

sounds like there is glass in the latch mecanisim (sp)

[Weasel Diesel]

Originally Posted by butch86

sounds like there is glass in the latch mecanisim (sp)

Have to go +1 on that one.