[the1nicko]

Hey guys, I have a problem, I have a 91 wagon, and the rear driver side door doesnt open, locked or unlocked. I am wondering how I can get this open to fix the problem? What would the problem probably be? And can I take off the door panel without the door open or will I have to pop it open from the outside if thats possible?

 

[Dave94LX]

does the handle lift like all the others, or does it feel easier/harder to lift? It's going to be hard to remove the door panel without being able to open the door. You may end up having to break the panel to get it open.

Your best bet is to go to the junk yard, and practice removing a door panel on a junker with the door closed.

 

[denisond3]

I had that problem with a rear door on my 91 sedan. I opened the other rear door, removed that inside panel, and had a look at the latch mechanism & actuators. Then...I was able to make up a tool with a hook (bent coat hanger) that I got down inside the non-opening door with the glass lowered, and pulled the lever up that should have been worked by the inside handle. The plastic 'keeper' had broken. I got a replacement from one of the HELP bubble packs at an O'Reilly's Auto Parts. While I was at it I unbolted the latch and made sure it & the other parts were all lubed before I put things back together.
Also, on my 92 Escort wagon, the driver's side rear door handle -the outer handle- had siezed from rust or whatever. I had to remove it and soak it with penetrating oil, and lube it too.

I also oil the door hinges a couple of times a year.

 

[the1nicko]

Hmm, both handles pull normal, I think that part you are talking about denisond is broken on mine. I am going to at least try to take half the door panel off and see what I can see, if not I will just do what you did.

 

[Sparky34kv]

I had a rear door apart on my 91 wagon when I was repainting it to replace the one a deer had taken out. If you remove the bench seat you should be able to remove the door panel without having to force anything and damage it.

 

[the1nicko]

Damn, the bench as in the bottom or the back? I literally just put my back seat back in today.

 

[Sparky34kv]

The bottom, it should just tilt forward and be able to lift out.

 

[the1nicko]

Ok cool, I'll just try that then. the bottom is cake to take out, the back is easy too just a pain.

 

[zzyzzx]

Did you get this done yet?

I'm reasonably sure that I have done it, but ti was so long ago I forget exactly how I did it. I say it's difficult but possible.

 

[the1nicko]

no i am trying to get the motor back together and oonly have afternoons to work on the car some days so it may be a few weeks before I t tackle this.