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New door handles, now can't unlock

DavesSV6Tonner

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I had the same issue when the actuator failed in my passenger door. The snipper button would only come up half way. and door was still locked.
Pulled the button till it came off the rod then used a pair of pliers to pull up on the rod and eventually, after entertaining the neighbours with my knowledge of the Aussie english language, the door unlocked. Replaced the actuator to fix the problem.

Spooky you would have both front actuators fail at the same time.
Sorry I can't offer any other useful advice.
 

Aus78Formula

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Thanks guys, I actually have a lead on a mobile mechanic who claims to have fixed this issue before, but he is booked up for a week or two. With some ideas I hope to have a look myself but been raining and busy.

I wasn't having a go of those here, I meant several mechanics and specialists I've contacted, some I knew, some I didn't. But the conversations were like, not sure, anything else we can help you with?! I mean, think just a sec, pretend to anyway!

I'll update further with any news, either way. Sounds like the issue may be with actuator adjustment, they both work. Smash repair guy said he hasn't had to adjust before going from GM to aftermarket handles. So be unlucky if that's it, but still need doors open before worrying about the next fix.
 

Aus78Formula

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I have also pulled the lining off my brother's VZ sedan....he doesn't know yet, he rarely drives it.
But it started raining so packed up before being able to fault find. Will try again.
 
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BlackVXGTS

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Thought so, but had to confirm. You might find the diagrams in the attached file useful. Did you try the pliers like DavesSV6Tonner suggested? I'd actually try alternately pushing and pulling to see if that jarred something loose.
 

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  • VZ Front Door Handle Remove-Refit.pdf
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Aus78Formula

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Thanks for the diagrams, saved for future use.

The mobile mechanic who claims to have 'fixed this before' is still busy for another week or so, no special visits for anyone needing their car for work. In the meantime I'm still playing but have both limited ideas and time. I made a flat strip that could push down inside the seal and depress the door handle linkage, then found a steel ruler worked just as well. Was hoping somehow that the new handles were maxing out their levering with still a smidge require to unlatch, but it didn't seem to matter. I'm hoping this other guy doesn't simply turn up and attempt a few things I've already failed with, being the only hope of avoiding hacking anything up.
 

Aus78Formula

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Finally, got my front doors open. Yes, it was the addition of new door handles, but that in itself was unusual since the panel shop, mechanics, sellers all said they rarely need adjusting at all. Of course, I'd already installed the door trims and shut the doors before testing locks, first and main mistake!

I accessed the doors by pulling the outer window seal strips off the clips and bowed out for access, still being held on by end screw that was not accessible with doors shut. This gave just enough access to knock the clip off the door handle rods which were holding the actuator down just slightly when unlocked. After that, the door handle rod itself has a screw on base which I adjusted a few turns with door trims off until functioned as it should.

The back door handles can wait until a sunny day, and armed with extra info as what not to do! Hope this helps someone further, at least to test everything while you have access. And thanks to those who offered suggestions, not only of the issue but how to get them open to even sort the issue!
 

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Thanks for posting the solution.
 
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