Locked Out Help!

baldin1 · #1 (**permalink**) 12-29-2004, 09:17 PM

I have a 1986 Jetta and I can't open the doors! The driver's side front doorhandle is gone, I usually open it with my finger, but somehow the know got pushed down and now I can't open it! My passnger side is weird. I can fit the key in and unlock or lock it just fine, but the door will not budge! These goofy handles-anyone know how to get around this? The car is parked outside in Michigan, so possibly the doors could be frozen shut. I bought a can of de-icer andf sprayed it ALL into the door seams by the pillars but nothing changed! I am going to try and open them tomorrow, as it should hit 49F and whatever ice in there should be melted by then. How can I prevent this from happening again, parking it indoors is not an option as I live in an apartment.

Fourt1thirty · #2 (**permalink**) 12-30-2004, 01:06 AM

If it doesn't have a drivers door handle you should be able to get into it the way you have before. The little tabs you play with are connected right to the door latch. No linkages or wires to break. Must be frozen.

baldin1 · #3 (**permalink**) 12-30-2004, 06:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fourt1thirty

If it doesn't have a drivers door handle you should be able to get into it the way you have before. The little tabs you play with are connected right to the door latch. No linkages or wires to break. Must be frozen.

Thanks. Door is locked, knob is pushed down, so that doesn't work. How can I get it unlocked? Do you where I can get a schematic of the door? It could help me out or at least the locksmith!

db · #4 (**permalink**) 12-30-2004, 08:25 AM

See if you can locate a Slim Jim (like what the cops use) to pop in the side of the manual lock up. Or try using a coat hanger if you feel up to it. Worse case call a towing company they will come out to pop it, unless there is seriously something off inside.

Last thought would be unlock your trunk (climb in) or other side to get in and pull the lock and panel off to diagnose.

Fourt1thirty · #5 (**permalink**) 12-30-2004, 10:18 AM

If the doorhandle is gone then push up on one of the two tabs inside the door you'd normally push down on to open it (the smaller one should be the lock). This will onlock it.

gotnimbus · #6 (**permalink**) 12-30-2004, 01:49 PM

yeah my rear trunk lid was frozen shut for a few days. i just let it unfreeze itself with the warmer weather the past few days...