Help! Backdoor won't open at all ....

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debutant
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Help! Backdoor won't open at all ....

Post by debutant »

Since today the backdoor (passenger side) won't open anymore. The central locking engine in the door still work, but no effect! When I put the car on the alarm (I got 2 buttons on my carkey) it makes a funny noice.
I think some connection in the door got loose or got broken off as it still makes sound when I use the remote key (tried manual locking and unlocking aswell). The door handle does do nothing when the car is unlocked. I'm not that technical and not sure what it is. This weekend I want to try to get the cover of the door (should be fairly impossible as I CAN'T open the door!).
Does anybody have an idea what to look for and how I can get the cover off? Maybe somebody had the same experience and can tell me that I will have to buy some part first ...
Please, some advice is appreciated as it is ackward to get my 10 month old son in his carseat now (carseat won't fit behind drivers seat as my legs are to long<img src=icon_smile_blush.gif border=0 align=middle>
Xantia 1.8i, 16v, 1997, 77k miles
Thanks,
John
Dumped my Escort XR3I for a Xantia <img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle>
Edited by - debutant on 29 Nov 2002 14:50:19
Zummerman
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Post by Zummerman »

Have a look at this, it might help:
http://www.andyspares.com/discussionfor ... IC_ID=1565
Good luck!
frankie
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Post by frankie »

I had the same problem on the same door. Mine only works when its cold. In the sun it fails to locked, I better flog it before summer comes. I think its the central locking actuator and I haven't got around to fixing mine because its difficult to access. Giving the door a few thumps (on the trim to avoid dents) seems to release it sometimes. I think the part is available from www.neat.uk.com for about £20.
spanners
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Post by spanners »

is this a xantia if it is. this sounds like the door is stuck in deadlock mode moving handles and catches wont do anything you will need to remove door panel and then smash the plastic back of lock mech and then move lever in lock. replace with new lock.
debutant
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Post by debutant »

<BLOCKQUOTE id=quote><font size=1 face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" id=quote>quote:<hr height=1 noshade id=quote>
is this a xantia if it is. this sounds like the door is stuck in deadlock mode moving handles and catches wont do anything you will need to remove door panel and then smash the plastic back of lock mech and then move lever in lock. replace with new lock.

<hr height=1 noshade id=quote></BLOCKQUOTE id=quote></font id=quote><font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" size=2 id=quote>
Yep, it is a Xantia! You might be right that the door is stuck in deadlock. When I use the central locking it all sounds allright. When I put the deadlock (alarm) on, it makes a funny buzzing sound in the door concerned!
When it is the deadlock, I have no other choice than to remove the door panel, isn't it? Should be pretty ackward as I can't open the door. Have to get a new lock (and torx screwdrivers) first, before I even try to open it.
How do I make sure it is the deadlock and not a lack of WD40?
Cheers,
John
Dumped my Escort XR3I for a Xantia <img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle>
debutant
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Post by debutant »

Does anybody have a pic or link to what the lock actually looks like (like the plastic cover I have to smash). The Hayes manual I bought today is pretty useless in this <img src=icon_smile_sad.gif border=0 align=middle>
Cheers,
John
Dumped my Escort XR3I for a Xantia <img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle>
bencowell
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x 1

Post by bencowell »

I gave in and let the dealer do it, at least if he slips with the chisel he will have to fix the door at his cost.
The labour charge was 1.7 hours.
Since then the Xsara's drivers door doesn't always un-deadlock, the key has to be inserted and turned to open the door.
I think this is a mechanical problem as when the doors are deadlocked and you disconnect the battery, you can still turn the key manually and undo the deadlock.
Ben
debutant
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Post by debutant »

Finally today I had the time to try to sort the lock out as it is getting ackward with the baby seat. I removed the inner panel and could see all the "stuff" behind it. The rods seem to be fine so the door must be on deadlock. I could see the lock, but no way to reach it and besides I don't even know what to push to get it out of the deadlock.
Maybe disconnecting the battery will get it out of deadlock, but I am a bit worried that it might interfere with the alarm and motormanagement as I never have done that before. Also, it might get out of deadlock but never be able to lock again ...... sigh.
Can I just disconnect the battery and use the key to key it out of the deadlock? And what is the proper way to disconnect the battery on a Xantia? I don't see why is should come out of the deadlock with the battery disconnected and using the key .... it is electronical so it shouldn't matter.
Anyway, does anybody have a idea how I can sort this? I am thinking of giving up anyway and let the cit garage sort it out as I am due for my next 9,000 miles service (9k miles in 3 months, not bad huh? <img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle>)
P.S. Jon -> do you know somebody around Northampton who can do the job "under the table"?
Cheers,
John
Dumped my Escort XR3I for a Xantia <img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle>
prhughes
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Post by prhughes »

I've had the same problem with my '96 Xantia. Its done it twice since I've had it in the ladt 4 years. I can usually get the door to open by repeatly thumping the door near the handle as I lock (deadlocks as well) and unlock the doors with the keyfob. Once the door opens, dont put the deadlocks on again for a few weeks! Bear in mind it took me half an hour to unlock the door last time it happened, so be persistant.
debutant
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Post by debutant »

<BLOCKQUOTE id=quote><font size=1 face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" id=quote>quote:<hr height=1 noshade id=quote>
I've had the same problem with my '96 Xantia. Its done it twice since I've had it in the ladt 4 years. I can usually get the door to open by repeatly thumping the door near the handle as I lock (deadlocks as well) and unlock the doors with the keyfob. Once the door opens, dont put the deadlocks on again for a few weeks! Bear in mind it took me half an hour to unlock the door last time it happened, so be persistant.

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When you said the keyfob ... do you mean the remote or the PHYSICAL use of the key on the door? Anyway, gonna try it soon (thumbing for half an hour that is) as I didn't manage to get to the cit garage yet.
Cheers,
John
John
Dumped my Escort XR3I for a Xantia <img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle>
debutant
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Post by debutant »

Just thumping the door while unlocking/deadlocking for 15 minutes. Didn't do the trick yet so I will have another go this weekend for half an hour .... if not, the cit garage can sort it out!
Having my daily pint now <img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle>
Cheers
Dumped my Escort XR3I for a Xantia <img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle>
Chopper
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Post by Chopper »

You can try a guy in Northampton, he will do on site repairs at a workplace or at home and is a citroen specialist. Used to do repairs ot my xantia when i lived in Daventry ... reliable and cheap.
His name is Alan and he can be contacted on 07980 613314
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