Door Lock stuck HELP

**greg** · #1 (**permalink**) 04-08-2008, 05:32 PM

While replacing outside door handles i accindentlly push to much on lock catch and now it stuck in down possition and will not move. i cant lock the car nor driving to locksmith.

Please help

Oski_Bear · #2 (**permalink**) 04-08-2008, 07:34 PM

Which part do you mean by the lock catch? I think you are going to have to remove the handle assembly to see what is going on. I had a passenger door handle that would not lock (the key just turned and turned and turned). When I took it apart, the bolt that holds the lock assembly together was loose and allowing the keyed features to spin instead of catching on each other. By reassembling and tightening the bolt, i fixed the handle.

To get to the handle, you'll have to remove the door panel and window. There's a section about it in the shop manual that is pretty good. Do you have access to it? If not, I can scan it for you.

**greg** · #3 (**permalink**) 04-08-2008, 07:50 PM

No the latch on the door itself is stuck in down positon I need to know how to release it.

thx

**ghnl** · #4 (**permalink**) 04-08-2008, 08:25 PM

Do you mean the piece on the door that moves to latch the door closed? And now you can't close the door because that part is in the 'closed' position but the door is not closed?

If so, just pry up on the latch piece while you move the door handle. Use a screwdriver to apply some pressure - not your fingers (they'll get greasy and pinched if you use your fingers...).

If you mean the door is closed and the door latch won't release to allow you open/unlock the door then I am not sure what to do.

**greg** · #5 (**permalink**) 04-08-2008, 08:33 PM

Door latch in c position down now. so now to door handle will do nothing in this stage.And door will not close at all the down latch interfire.

Thx

**ghnl** · #6 (**permalink**) 04-08-2008, 08:42 PM

OK, so the door is open and you cannot close it, correct?

If so, you just need to persuade the latch piece - the part that grabs onto the door post to latch the door closed - to move back to the 'open' position. Simply pulling on the door handle won't do it. Pull on the latch piece - apply some pressure in the 'open' direction and THEN pull the door handle. The latch should release, no harm done.

Normally the latch only moves when you close the door and then it holds the door closed. When you pull on the handle pressure from the door seals (and pulling on the door) makes the latch move and release its grip on the door post. I sounds like you moved the latch while the door was wide open - no door post to grip and now no door post to release. Just imitate the motion of releasing the door post and the latch will return to the 'open' position.

**greg** · #7 (**permalink**) 04-08-2008, 08:48 PM

How to pull latch piece

**ghnl** · #8 (**permalink**) 04-08-2008, 09:41 PM

Based on your signature, I'm assuming your's is a Duetto so it may be slightly different than the picture below but the basic concept applies.

The U shaped piece (circled in red) is what grabs onto the door post and holds the door shut. I suspect that is the piece that is rotated in the 'closed' position (an upside down U) and is thus preventing you from being able to close the door. Use the blade of a screwdriver to push it so the open side points towards the car while you pull on the door handle.

There is also some info in this thread that indicates that maybe the latch is halfway between open & closed and that is why it won't move. If it won't move in the 'open' direction, try pushing it further towards the closed position first and THEN push it in the open direction.

**ghnl** · #9 (**permalink**) 04-10-2008, 08:46 AM

Did you ever get it fixed?

**greg** · #10 (**permalink**) 04-10-2008, 03:10 PM

Eric,
Thank you. It's done I could not log in for some reason for 2 days. I would thank you earlier.
Greg

**ghnl** · #11 (**permalink**) 04-10-2008, 08:34 PM

Glad to hear you got it fixed. Was the problem the latch thing (circled in the photo) or something else?

**SpiderWebb** · #12 (**permalink**) 04-11-2008, 01:04 AM

Here are some photos of my 1981 Spider's door. Notice the greasy spring. That is the other side of the door latch hook.

I am in the process of replacing the outer door handles. Some vandals decided it would be fun to break both door handles and snap the radio antenna off. Ah, I remember the good old days when I was a juvenile delinquent. Although, I never did anything that destructive.

I hope the photos are of some use to someone.

cmeyer283 · #13 (**permalink**) 05-12-2008, 04:39 PM

I loved your pictures, but we're still having trouble with the exterior door handles. They were removed to prepare for painting car. When replaced, the door only opens by using the interior handle. The exterior handle will not open the door. Can you suggest what we might be doing incorrectly?

**peterlund** · #14 (**permalink**) 05-12-2008, 06:11 PM

Were they a lot of fun trying to get them out??? And even more of an issue trying to get them back in after a nice new repaint!!!? Are you sure you have the linkage set? Take a peek up at the assembly, and make certain. Also, are you certain that the door lever on the interior is not in the "locked" position?? Good luck. It would be nice to see the repainted Alfa. Keep us in mind!

**SpiderWebb** · #15 (**permalink**) 05-12-2008, 06:29 PM

The only thing needed is adjusting the length of the lock adjusting arm.

Try with the arm at around half the length.

On mine I felt the length while I pulled slowly on the rod until it engaged. I backed it off a bit and then locked the screw and nut down. It turned out to be half way. The only rule I would follow is to keep the arm straight, and in line. Take a look at the final arangement on mine.

Don't be afraid to experiment with the door locked, not locked.
Enjoy the fun, embrace the internal zen of lock-dom.

With this secret, the second door handle took 5 minutes. Pure joy!

Good luck.