Stuck Driver's Side Door

[thewalrus]

I have a 1989 Ford Festiva L.

I parked my Fest and locked it from the inside. When I came back out and tried to unlock the door, it would not unlock. When I climbed over from the passenger side and unlocked it, it also would not open. Both the inside and outside door handles swing free and don't seem to be catching anything in the mechanism. The door is thoroughly stuck.

I tried using a slim jim on the mechanism, hoping that I could catch something and pull it open, but I had no luck.

Any pointers or ideas?

[25Horseplay]

You might try to remove the door panel from the inside. It sounds like maybe a rod came loose.

[thewalrus]

Actually that was the first thing I did. I pulled the panel and, as far as I can tell, both rods (one from each of the door handles) appear to be properly connected.

I guess I'll let my mechanic have a look at it. Any other pointers would still be appreciated, though!

Thanks

[studdyhalllooser]

to save money...id compare the passenger door to the drivers...pull the pannel on the passenger side and see how it all works....understand how it all works, then use your knowledge to open the drivers door....it sounds like something too simple to pay someone to do

[25Horseplay]

One time something similar happened to me, I just worked the lock from the inside up and down rapidly. It was stuck and this freed it up. Not sure if that will do it, but it doesn't cost anything.

[thewalrus]

I'll give both those a try. Thanks!

[thewalrus]

Beautiful!

What a great day for my Fest!

Using a combination of pointers from you guys, I managed to get the driver's side door open and working. I also pulled the mechanism out of the hatch, degreased and cleaned it and reinstalled it. My hatch has been stuck since I bought the car back in the summer. Now the mechanism works and all I need is to replace the little plastic clip that holds the bar in place.

Thanks so much for all the help.