HELP! Unable to unlock or open driver's door!

[b55er]

I have a 1998 Porsche 986 "base" with 25k miles that has been sitting for several months.

Upon replacing the battery, and putting the car away for several days, I attempted to drive the car.

Unfortunately, I can not unlock the driver's side door. The key fits, turns, and I hear the central locking system operating (click). But when I pull the door handle, the door does not open.

The door does not open from the inside handle either. When the door handle is pulled, the window does move down and the dome light activates. If I use the lock button on the dashboard, I hear the actuator in the door (sounds the same as on the working door) click.

Any suggestions besides getting in from the passenger side and driving to the dealer?

Thanks in advance..

B55er..

[therock88]

Have you tried starting the car with the key? Also, since you put the car away, have you verified the battery is actually good? I would check to verify the battery is actually strong/good. And try to jump the car if necessary to ensure the key works. The second thing I would check is that the battery in the key is not dead. If you have no luck with step 1, pop the key open and replace the watch battery, or try the second key if you have it?

One of those should be your issue. If not, you may need to get the key re-programmed to the car. Good luck!

DC

Edited January 29, 2012 by therock88

[logray]

Did you try using your key in the lock on the door?

Option two might be to jimmy the latch mechanism by a locksmith/etc.

Option three might be to remove the door card so you can access the latch mechansim.

[b55er]

Thanks for the replies:

- The car has a brand new battery. Car starts fine.

- This is a base model 1998 986 - No remote control. Key only.

- The key fits in the lock, turns, and deactivates the central locking system. Yet when pulling the exterior or interior handle, both fail to open the door. The microswitch apparently works as the window drops. Something is wrong with the latch mechanism where it won't unlock mechanically.

Is it possible to remove the door panel with the door shut?

Any other suggestions?

Thanks in advance..

Edited January 29, 2012 by b55er

[therock88]

Thanks for the replies:

- The car has a brand new battery. Car starts fine.

- This is a base model 1998 986 - No remote control. Key only.

- The key fit in the lock, turns, and deactivates the central locking system. Yet when pulling the exterior or interior handle, both fail to open the door. The microswitch apparently works as the window drops.

Is it possible to remove the door panel with the door shut?

Any other suggestions?

Thanks in advance..

OK....So your key does not have a remote button to unlock the car....It is strictly a physical manual key (with a transponder to disarm the central locking system). I was not aware they had keys that did not actually unlock the car by remote. Regardless...It appears the mechanism is unlocked but the door just won't open, so sounds like you do have a mechanical failure in the door.

It will be very difficult due to space constraints to get the door panel off without opening it, but I THINK you can do it. The seat will be in the way as you pop it out, but if you can get to the inner door, you should be able to spring the latch and open it for more work...

Here is a link to the DIY on this site for removing a 996 Door panel...Your should be identical or very close:

Good luck!

DC

[b55er]

DC - Yeah.. this is the base model. At the time, the remote was an option. Physical key is needed to lock and unlock the driver's door.

I think this may require a trip to the dealer. I'm afraid that I'll screw something up with the limited space constraints I would have.

I think it may be possible for an experienced Porsche "slim jimmer" to pop the lock release, then open the door..?

I wonder what the dealer would do to fix this..?

Edited January 29, 2012 by b55er

[therock88]

DC - Yeah.. this is the base model. At the time, the remote was an option. Physical key is needed to lock and unlock the driver's door.

I think this may require a trip to the dealer. I'm afraid that I'll screw something up with the limited space constraints I would have.

I think it may be possible for an experienced Porsche "slim jimmer" to pop the lock release, then open the door..?

I wonder what the dealer would do to fix this..?

Yep...Dealer will likely pop the door open and then replace or fix the latch. I would expect it to be a few hours labor....My Dealer is $138/hr. May just have the arm stuck or fallen off on the inside, so may not need many parts?

Good luck!

DC

[b55er]

I'm in Silicon Valley - Labor rate is $200/hr. Off the wall crazy, so I was hoping there was something I can do to get the door open so at least I can attempt to take the panel off.. But as the car is in pristine condition, I'd rather not screw something up..

Yep...Dealer will likely pop the door open and then replace or fix the latch. I would expect it to be a few hours labor....My Dealer is $138/hr. May just have the arm stuck or fallen off on the inside, so may not need many parts?

Good luck!

DC

[b55er]

UPDATE: Problem Solved!!

I read on another board to give the door a whack with my palm, about 2" above the handle.

Well.. I gave the door one single whack, pulled the handle.. and low and behold, the door opened!!

Got some silicon spray and lubed the heck out of the latch.. All seems fine now..

Many thanks for the input from fellow forumers.

Edited February 3, 2012 by b55er