Club 80-90 Forums

Hi all,
I am unable to open my 85 1.6d rear door, the key goes in but wont engage or turn, is it possible to open from the inside ?, thought i,d ask before I go in hammer and tongs and make it worse Thanks

Inside the van remove the trim on the door and you will be able to get to the lock mechanism. You should be able to release the lock from there.

SEFSPEED wrote:Hi all,
I am unable to open my 85 1.6d rear door, the key goes in but wont engage or turn, is it possible to open from the inside ?, thought i,d ask before I go in hammer and tongs and make it worse Thanks

Are you talking about the tailgate lock?

As CB says from inside pop off the rear hatch interior panel.
Move the insulation out of the way and you will see the rear of the lock.

On the rear of the lock is a tail piece - when the lock turns the tail piece also turns and moves position.
When the tail piece is in the unlocked position it will engage with a sprang latch when the lock button is pushed in from the outside.

All you need to do is pull the little latch (that the tail piece is not engaging) against the spring pressure with your finger.
(this will replicate the lock being in the unlocked position and pushing the button all in 1 movement)

I assume its an early lock (85) and not the later larger lock?
If it is the early lock it needs to be in the locked position to take apart and fix... will explain how if required?

Good Luck.

Thank you for your answers, time to get my hands dirty then.