unusual boxster door issue

[deanym]

I'm new to the forum, so I'm hoping for some friendly advice for perhaps a topic that has been discussed before, but I couldn't find.

When I use the keyfob to open my 2001 Boxster 3.2S, the passenger door does not unlock and cannot be opened with either the interior nor exterior handles.

I manage to remove the door card with the door closed, but was completely unable to open the latch. The opening cables seem to function fine. But the action is exactly as when the door is locked, so there is something stopping the actuation taking place.

I thought there may have been a way to spring the lock with the panel off, but due to the door latch/pawl interaction being hidden if the door is closed, I cannot find a way to get the door opened.

Does anyone know if there is a way of opening the door with the panel off, even if the cable mechs work fine but can't trigger the unlock of the lock (if that makes sense

I'm confident of replacing the mechanism once the door is opened, but I just cannot get to that point!

I need to get this fixed as I won't take my daughter in the car until I know the door will safely open in the event of any accident

[Ahsai]

There were two recent threads about the same problem. One was solved by removing the outer door handle and then attack the latch. The other by banging on the door from outside.

[deanym]

Ahhh nice one, I'll have a look at removing the outer handle, thanks Ahsai

[Ahsai]

http://www.renntech.org/forums/topic/47239-help-drivers-door-cannot-be-opened/#entry259391

[Ahsai]

http://rennlist.com/forums/996-forum/837617-driver-door-lock-mechanism-stuck-closed-with-door-closed.html

[deanym]

You're a gentleman, it's late evening here, so first thing in the morning I'm trying out the suggestions. Much appreciated.

[deanym]

No luck, there is no access at all to the actual clasp and pawl to click the door open. Next step, smash out the old lock, pop door fit new lock.

Edited October 12, 2014 by deanym

[Ahsai]

Ah, bummer. Have you tried just banging on the lock itself after the outside handle is removed? I don't think you can access the actual latch by design for security. I speculate that for both cases I posted, it was actually the banging jolted something loose inside the latch to un-stick the electrical locking mechanism that disconnects the inside and ouside handles from the lock.

[deanym]

Yeah I've given it a few bangs :-) the door panel is staying off until demolition :-)

Edited October 12, 2014 by deanym