L322 Drivers door won't open from inside or outside

BunduRafiki · Mar 14, 2024

Hello everybody, I've owned my 04 plate Vogue for 17 years, so have encountered and fixed most of the common faults associated with these fabulous vehicles.
The interior drivers side door cable is the likely culprit. Both interior and exterior handles just feel loose as if they are not connected to the cable. The black plastic lock knob works fine, pop's up and down with the central locking and manual key turn but the door is closed and I can't get it open to remove the door card to replace the cables. I've done loads of fiddly job's with the car over the years including the dreaded open heart surgery on the dash to change the blower motor, so I'm not intimidated by this latest frustration.
I've searched all the threads and I appreciate and totally agree that information should not be given out on an open forum on how to open a locked car door.
If any members can help please pm me, I'm totally genuine and will validate my identity. Alternatively, is there a way to remove either the exterior or interior handles with the door closed and the door card in place? I'm also going to book an auto locksmith to see if they can help.

Datatek · Mar 14, 2024

BunduRafiki said:
Hello everybody, I've owned my 04 plate Vogue for 17 years, so have encountered and fixed most of the common faults associated with these fabulous vehicles.
The interior drivers side door cable is the likely culprit. Both interior and exterior handles just feel loose as if they are not connected to the cable. The black plastic lock knob works fine, pop's up and down with the central locking and manual key turn but the door is closed and I can't get it open to remove the door card to replace the cables. I've done loads of fiddly job's with the car over the years including the dreaded open heart surgery on the dash to change the blower motor, so I'm not intimidated by this latest frustration.
I've searched all the threads and I appreciate and totally agree that information should not be given out on an open forum on how to open a locked car door.
If any members can help please pm me, I'm totally genuine and will validate my identity. Alternatively, is there a way to remove either the exterior or interior handles with the door closed and the door card in place? I'm also going to book an auto locksmith to see if they can help.

First off, if the lock button goes up and down, the door is not locked, it's just the opener mechanism has failed, a locksmith will not help unless the mechanism can be hooked with a welding rod.. If you open the rear door and can see the latch plate, you may be able to cut it, it's possible on the P38 but don't know on your car. I know of no other way apart from butchering the door card.

BunduRafiki · Mar 14, 2024

Thank you Datatek for the swift response. Rear door would need to come off and holes cut. Yes the most pragmatic solution may be to source a replacement card off eBay, source the relevant cables, disconnect the battery and start on the door card.
Not great.

Mark Piercy · Mar 14, 2024

I'm pretty sure you can get the door card off from inside

I did one a while ago but can't remember exactly

marjon · Mar 14, 2024

We are of course assuming that @BunduRafiki is able to open another door? which it does sound the case.

Datatek said:
If you open the rear door and can see the latch plate, you may be able to cut it, it's possible on the P38 but don't know on your car.

Sorry Data but they have tightened up on that 1 and you cant see the lock shackle with the rear door open now (well at least on the 2011)

Mark Piercy said:
I'm pretty sure you can get the door card off from inside
I did one a while ago but can't remember exactly

I would seem to agree from looking at (our 2011) they don't seem to have the hidden screw that requires the door open to get the card off (in 1 piece).
Still it will be fiddly with the seat being so close to the door.

J

BunduRafiki · Mar 14, 2024

Yes, you can definitely access and remove 3 of the 4 card screws with the door shut. Access to the lowest and unfortunately longest screw is blocked by the carpeted driver's seat mounting platform and rails. Also the dash end will restrict the top unclipping of the card. However, it may be a case of being able pull back the opener mechanism end of the card to get a look inside.
Fortunately, its not my main car so I have breathing space on how I'm going to solve this, via the path of least resistance and damage. Had a couple of auto locksmith's both agree that they can only get in via the door card off route. All your suggestions are very much appreciated and please keep them coming. As and when I get this sorted, probably next week, I will explain how.

marjon · Mar 14, 2024

BunduRafiki said:
Yes, you can definitely access and remove 3 of the 4 card screws with the door shut. Access to the lowest and unfortunately longest screw is blocked by the carpeted driver's seat mounting platform and rails. Also the dash end will restrict the top unclipping of the card. However, it may be a case of being able pull back the opener mechanism end of the card to get a look inside.
Fortunately, its not my main car so I have breathing space on how I'm going to solve this, via the path of least resistance and damage. Had a couple of auto locksmith's both agree that they can only get in via the door card off route. All your suggestions are very much appreciated and please keep them coming. As and when I get this sorted, probably next week, I will explain how.

Take the seat out?? For space.

J

L322 Drivers door won't open from inside or outside

BunduRafiki

Member

Datatek

Well-Known Member

BunduRafiki

Member

Mark Piercy

Well fumbled member....

marjon

Well-Known Member

BunduRafiki

Member

marjon

Well-Known Member

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