In a little situation here.. This is my first DSM. When I bought it the passenger side handle was completely missing. I bought a pair of handles to replace both but haven’t had a chance.

I’ve never had an issue with the driver side but I closed the door today and it won’t open back up. The door isn’t locked. Key doesn’t work in the hatch either so I can’t open it.

Any ideas as to what I can do to get it opened?

Coat hanger between the window and seal to unlock the door or hit the unlock. Only other way would be a Slim Jim

Order an air wedge if you’re gonna do that. All the trim and seals are getting harder to find by the day.

If the passenger handle it completely missing, then take off the tape covering the hole and look through it for the rod that goes to the door jam. You should be able to open it this way. It has been a while, but I THINK you will push the rod downward and that should pop it open.

Passenger side door handle opening is covered with tape. Is it possible to pull the linkage and open it? Or just try to get a coat hanger through there to pull the handle?

I didn’t notice the tape. Yes it runs from the manual lock switch to the door lock actuator.

I pushed down on the rod and was able to open the passenger side and open the driver side from the inside. I assume the rod came off the handle or the handle broke on the rear making it useless.

Could this be part of the issue also? I just noticed.

That’s definitely not helping, but should be able to just tighten it up, looks like. I’ve heard that they keep 2g door handles in the misc help section at local auto parts stores if you’re looking for a quick fix. For something more of an upgrade, check out Volk Metal Craft

chrisman287 said:

I pushed down on the rod and was able to open the passenger side and open the driver side from the inside. I assume the rod came off the handle or the handle broke on the rear making it useless.

Could this be part of the issue also? I just noticed.

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The rod needs to be connected on both ends obviously. The loose screw isn’t your problem. It’s possibly a contributing factor . Tight it up and use blue loctite. Remove the door panel and take a good look at what’s broken/missing.

Okay so I swapped both handles but on the driver side I noticed this bolt and wing nut on the rod that gets pushed down. When I go to close the door it doesn’t always stay closed.

I assume this isn’t from the factory? Did they put that so that less pull up is needed to get the door open?

chrisman287 said:

Did they put that so that less pull up is needed to get the door open?

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Yes they did, a getto fix for when door wouldn't open when handle is all the way up. I had tryed that too but it then sometimes (happened on one of my doors) allows that door open rod to move too far where it interferes with the outside key mechanism of the actuator. Bending that rod back to where it should be was the correct solution (it gets bent slightly with so many door openings over time). If you have that interference with the outside key mechanism of the actuator, you'll have to remove that getto bolt and bend the rod like this: https://www.dsmtuners.com/threads/2gnt-passenger-door-wont-open.504234/post-153825059. Note it needs to slide fully in that slot in the rod so the door handle can move all the way up when the door is locked.

Here's a procedure on how to replace the 2g door handle: https://www.dsmtuners.com/threads/how-to-fix-your-broken-door-handle-on-a-2g.55158/. If you get the Duralast plastic door handles, get used to them constantly breaking every couple years.

Don't know if you will also have this problem but look carefully at the locking rod's slot (the other smaller rod). The thin metal breaks right where the slot opening meets the solid rod. I had to weld it (soldering kept breaking) - see post 9 here: https://www.dsmtuners.com/threads/2gnt-passenger-door-wont-open.504234/post-153740168. If it's broken there, now is the time to fix it as it will give you problems trying to lock the car with the key (you'll turn the key and it just won't lock).