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1996 dodge dakota sport door will not open

Old Apr 5, 2011 | 09:52 AM
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ryan70103
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Exclamation 1996 dodge dakota sport door will not open

The drivers side door will not open. I cant even get it opened to look at whats wrong with it. Any ideas on how to get it to open? Doesn't open from inside either. (manual locks and windows)
 
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Old Apr 5, 2011 | 10:39 AM
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shadowthedakota
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remove the seat and try to remove the door trim to atleast get to the latch inside the door
 
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Old Apr 5, 2011 | 11:17 AM
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There are plastic clips that hold the rods that the door handles/locks connect to latch. The clips are a common problem. You can buy new ones at most autopart stores in the HELP section.

To remove the panel I would have to agree the seat may need to be removed. There is only 2 bolts one in the handle and one in the upper corner by the mirror. Then pull the panel, there are pull clips all around the rim. Then pull the panel upwards and remove the wires/switches.

If needed remove the other panel (the door that does open) to see how the other side will go.
 
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Old Apr 5, 2011 | 11:29 AM
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I just replaced these clips in my drivers door a couple weeks ago. O'Rielly's stocked them. They are cheap plastic clips that wear out. Strange that they would both (inside handle and outside handle clips) go at the same time though. Mine was just the outside handle that quit working.

its possible that the linkage to the actual latch came apart.

Pull seat (couple bolts) and then pull the door panel.
 
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Old Apr 5, 2011 | 03:13 PM
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Originally Posted by Bump
I just replaced these clips in my drivers door a couple weeks ago. O'Rielly's stocked them. They are cheap plastic clips that wear out. Strange that they would both (inside handle and outside handle clips) go at the same time though. Mine was just the outside handle that quit working.

its possible that the linkage to the actual latch came apart.

Pull seat (couple bolts) and then pull the door panel.
Good to know O'Rielly's carries them - I actually have been having trouble with my outside door handle not working. Thanks for posting that lol
 
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Old Apr 5, 2011 | 06:34 PM
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not something i would recommend. but on wrecked cars. i have had someone hold the handle open. and i would kick the dorr open from the inside. but if the latch isnt actuating then this method wont work.
 
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