Door won't open...A plea for help!

I have just picked up a 1996 Discovery, and immediately set to work on all the niggles to make it a proud specimen once again.

The first issue is something that appears to be fairly common - passenger front door won't open unless you hold the lock knob up whilst pulling the handle.

Having found some useful threads on this site, i set about obtaining a new spring. I stripped the door panels, removed the lock module, fitted the new spring and thought i was home dry.

I know i should have tested it whilst the door was open, but i'm a muppet, and didn't. Now the door won't open at all whether you hold the knob up, turn the key at the same time, or pull the connector rods directly (luckily i hadn't re-fitted the interior trim panel so have full access to the internals).

Any help/suggestions would be very much appreciated as I really don't understand why it won't open!

Have you tried fitting the old spring back?

My drivers door has similar problem, only opens if you pull inwards on the handle while pulling the opener ??? played about with the door striker pin & had it sorted but its started doing it again ............ all part of the character i say !

My n/s rear door does it...... it is a pain in the ass and I haven't bothered to look at what is going on.

matthew2riches said:

Have you tried fitting the old spring back?

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I would if I could - but i can't get the door open! Is there any way to dismantal the lock from inside the door, bearing in mind the issue of the window frame getting in the way?

I can reach all of the push rods, but none of them release the door catch when pulled. don't know what i've done to cause this...:doh:

twinter82 said:

I would if I could - but i can't get the door open! Is there any way to dismantal the lock from inside the door, bearing in mind the issue of the window frame getting in the way?

I can reach all of the push rods, but none of them release the door catch when pulled. don't know what i've done to cause this...:doh:

Click to expand...

Its a long time since I had this problem on a D1 but I seem to rememeber the main lock operating rod pushes down rather than up to operate the door opening and is adjusted by a knurled plastic "nut" which in your case would have to be screwed down to give the right adjustment. You should be able to see this if you pull the internal handle and look to see which way the rods are going.

Managed to get it sorted - there are 3 bolts that secure the lock mechanism, 2 on the edge of the door and one facing the car interior. The one on the interior face of the door had been tightened too much, preventing the mechanism from unlocking. Simply loosening the bolt allowed the door to unlock again. Worth bearing in mind for anyone that tries to replace the door lock spring!!!