Page 1 of 1

Can't open sliding door using inside handle

Posted: 13 Apr 2015, 22:14
by Scaramanga1965
Hi :-)
Does anyone know why the handle on the inside of my 1982 Devon won't open the door despite the outside handle working fine?
Any help welcome :D

Thanks

Simon

Re: Can't open sliding door using inside handle

Posted: 13 Apr 2015, 22:34
by 007bluebell
dose this model have a child lock on inside :?:

Re: Can't open sliding door using inside handle

Posted: 14 Apr 2015, 08:09
by shepster
Take the door panel off and make sure the rod hasn't come off that attaches to the rear latch.

Re: Can't open sliding door using inside handle

Posted: 14 Apr 2015, 08:12
by greasemonkey
shepster wrote:Take the door panel off and make sure the rod hasn't come off that attaches to the rear latch.
The outside one wouldn't work either if that was the case as it operates the same mechanism.

As above reckon the child lock being clicked up is the best guess.

Re: Can't open sliding door using inside handle

Posted: 14 Apr 2015, 20:50
by Scaramanga1965
Hi All,
Thanks for your replies :D I think the child lock is a possibility. I opened the door and looked at the edge of the door were the lock part is and there is a vertical slot but no lever to move?
Is this were the child lock is ? Do you stick a screwdriver in it ?
Thanks
Simon

Re: Can't open sliding door using inside handle

Posted: 14 Apr 2015, 20:53
by Scaramanga1965
I have pulled the panel off and it is all connected. There is the usual lock on the inside but no obvious child lock. That's why I thought it might be in the slot at the edge of the door.

Re: Can't open sliding door using inside handle

Posted: 15 Apr 2015, 19:30
by bugsteve
hi my friend.. yes there should be a tang sticking out from the vertical slot,if there isnt there is a chance it is broken??.. if so no harm will come from sticking a small screwdriver or a cocktail stick in there and having a wiggle.. could have a close inspection through slot with a torch be fore and all should be clear.. if not the mechanism is not overly hard to remove, just a bit fiddly to get out of the door once released. If you find the mechanism is in some way broken dont pay the earth for a new one.. i got a central locking one for £20 at dub freeze but ive seen else where for £65.

finally if you do need a replacement, pay good attention to the part number on the old as there are quite a few different ones owing to lhd, rhd, early, late, central locking etc..

hope this helps

Re: Can't open sliding door using inside handle

Posted: 15 Apr 2015, 21:43
by Scaramanga1965
That's great :-) I'll give it a go with a screwdriver tomorrow. Thanks also for the advice on buying a new lock.
Thanks
Simon

Re: Can't open sliding door using inside handle

Posted: 16 Apr 2015, 19:27
by bugsteve
how did you get on?.... i watched a good clip on youtube the other day btw made by GOWESTY about servicing the sliding door.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M5UrduOCJws" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; (2 parts)

Its a good vid to follow for the process and is possible to simplify things as required.. ie if you whip bearings off and they are ok then simple clean with brake cleaner and a re grease will do the job, or a simple degrease, wirebrush and re grease will make a big difference to the runner etc..

Only thing i would do extra is not to rely on the wittness marks made by the bolts but to draw around them with a thin marker or scratch with a scribe to align the door exactly.. or take 5 mins and a straight edge to check the alignment of the door and re- adjust on assembly..

regards

Re: Can't open sliding door using inside handle

Posted: 16 Apr 2015, 23:27
by Scaramanga1965
Hi,
I pulled the lock out as I couldn't see anything down the vertical slot. I put the handles back on and figured out what was wrong after figuring how the lock mechanism worked. There was a metal plug which had snapped off. The inside handle relied upon the metal plug to push against so that the door can be opened from the inside. There didn't appear to be a child lock on mine. I have ordered a replacement lock mechanism from T25 Direct website. I have bought rear swing arms off them in the past. They are good to deal with. I checked out the vid you recommended it's very good.
Thanks again
Simon