(non) sliding door

[matteo]

I can't open my sliding door. I've spent a couple of evenings trying to figure it out, and I'm stuck (like the door)!

It's an early door and I think the problem might be in the central lock (pictured below) - is this the only mechanism that releases the door? On turning the handle the cable moves but it doesn't release the lock (centre rear of door). There's no real tension pulling the cable backwards. Normally what would create tension on the cable - something inside the lock?

It's a catch 22 (!) as I need to open the door to remove/inspect the lock - argh!

Has anyone had similar problems? Any suggestions are very welcome - thanks

Matteo
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1980 CU 2l

[waltraud]

Grease in old locks and mechanisms can dry out and get non sticky. Coul try flushing with brake cleaner especially the spring Are near tgd hinge

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[Jim San]

My door did this once.
Although it looked shut (all but a gnats cracker) it was like it hadn't latched properly at the rear of door ( a helpful 'bodyslam' against it to finsih the latching) and the open from inside whilst pushing firmly out against the rear edge of the door.  (watch your hands wehn it goes though).

Another time (years ago on our first van a T4) I actually took the whole door off because it wouldn't open from the inside - where as it had done until I changed the bottom roller and fitted insulation inside it.  I lay it on the grass to trouble shoot the issue and traced the mechanism to find a child lock -    that's a secret so don't tell anyone



 

[matteo]

Thanks guys I'll try these suggestions this weekend. This door hasn't been opened for 2-3 years (it's a twin slider and behind units).
I put a load of morrisons MD40 penetrating fluid in earlier in the week.