Anybody Ever Try To Open A Door That Won't OPEN????

[pencilneck]

If the exterior bowden cable is set too tight, then you can run into what you describe. The exterior bowden cable is what links the exterior pull handle to the door latch. It should have just a hint of slack in it.

Often times people will pull on the bowden cable (thus pulling on the door latch) and then fit the cable to the exterior door handle. What happens is the paw that would normally catch on the latch is pulled back, so it doesn't get reset and catch again when you let go of the exterior handle.

In some cases you can push in on the door, at the latch area and the paw with catch so that pulling on the handle releases the door latch. There have been times where I had 2 other helpers pushing on the door while trying to time pulling on the handle. Be careful to not dent the sheet metal.

If you have to destroy something, then make it the part the key goes into.

[Dans98Beetle]

I tried pulling on that spring. It did nothing. That was one of the first things I tried. I will get it open and im not going destroy the door panel. Im sure it would be a fortune to replace it. I thought about taking a Hack-Saw and cutting the striker plate. CAREFULLY!!!!! I have to busy this week to even look at it....

[Dans98Beetle]

The key slot is all screwed up. It looks like someone tried to break in the car at one time. I have tried pushing on the door and pulling the cable just because it sounded like a GOOD IDEA!!! lol

[Blugg]

Originally Posted by Dans98Beetle

The key slot is all screwed up. It looks like someone tried to break in the car at one time. I have tried pushing on the door and pulling the cable just because it sounded like a GOOD IDEA!!! lol

Ship it over to me, i'll get it open for you

[Dans98Beetle]

After ALOT OF BULL ****!!!!!! We ended up taking out the rear panel. Then I was able to grind off the nuts and then the door catch came out. Now the door is open. Im not to impressed with the hole car....I wanted one of these cars for years. I hate to say it but I think these cars are a P.O.S.

[2004NBTURBOS]

Sounds like someone has a little sour taste in his mouth.
It usually breaks down to these being over-engineered, making what should be a simple task turn out to be a major undertaking. Your car may very well be a pos. But.......any car that is giving trouble, or breaking down can be thought of as a pos.
If you dislike it that much, sell it.
Or, fix it, drive it, and take pride in your ride.

[Dans98Beetle]

I have never worked on a VW before and I hope I never do again...

[2004NBTURBOS]

Then you better go buy that "For Sale" sign.
Believe me, I have been down the same road.
But will never sell my car. I my TS.

[Bratgirl]

All this bug hatred over a door? If it was me, I would count myself lucky that it was just a stuck door. Could have been a transmission, or an engine, or any other thing that could have been a lot more expensive.
Kiss and make up, and you'll both feel better...

[LoLoBug]

You guys area amazing, had to chuckle over some of the suggestions. I almost feel like I can start ripping the bugs apart and fix things myself. Destroying a door?!!!!! I think I'd be just having my passenger climbing in the driver door lol! I know you will do it.

[Blugg]

Originally Posted by Dans98Beetle

I have never worked on a VW before and I hope I never do again...

That will rule you out of a serious amount of car choices, seeing as VAG now owns so many car companies