Driver's Door locked shut

[tedc]

This car is a 2000 Chrysler Neon.

The internal mechanics of the drivers door have broken leaving the door stuck closed.
All the other doors work fine using either the blip or the door handles.

In trying to get this lock to work i have:-

1) undone some of the door panel screws (some are not accessible when the door is closed) and forced my way to the pull rods - pulling these should open the door but the catch is not tripping free.
2) Pushed a screwdriver through the small access hole (on the rear jamb of the door) and moved the locking lever - no luck - the latch is not tripped free.

I am sure that the locking pawl has dropped behind the car lock bracket and one or other of the internal springs have gone belly up leaving the catch unable to swing free of the door frame bracket..

Question is, how can i get the door open?

I've made a booking at Chryslers but expect the cost will be far in excess of the residual value of the car !

Any advice appreciated - I'm desperate!!!



ted

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

I had this problem on a 205, tried all sorts of approaches, in the end I managed to drill out the locking pin from behind from inside the rear door (if that makes sense)