JamesTheScot

'93 Lumina Euro (D-door)

recently replaced the driver side door handle mechanism with an aftermarket product. just a few weeks after it was in, it stopped working. Door handle is still connected to the guts, but it feels like the handle doesn't pull far enough to release the door.

so the last week or so i have been unlocking the passenger door and reaching across or leaving the driver side window down until i decide what to do. that was bad enough...but a few minutes ago it got worse.

as i got out of the car, i went around to the passenger side to get some stuff out of it and..."snap". something inside the passenger door handle snaps and the handle is flopping.

so now both my door handles are broken, my car is effectively sealed to me...and i have from work inside that i have to get to first thing in the morning and there is container of home-made, from scratch meatballs and sauce in the front seat slowly reaching a bacteria-ripe 80 degrees.

so how in the hell do i get into my car tonight without busting out a window? or is that my only option.

can a locksmith open it or just uinlock it (which it isn't)?

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93 Euro Coupe (3.1L V6)

Blue Bowtie

Does the car have a fold-down rear seat?

Young Chuck D

if you can't get in through the trunk, see if you can pop a triangular back side window out.. i've heard they can be removed without breaking, maybe with a slim-jim-like object

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1996 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme SL Coupe
formerly employed by:
1990 Hyundai Excel GL
1989 Chevrolet Cavalier Coupe
1998 BMW M3 Hardtop Convertible

Blue Bowtie

And it would help to know a few more of the technical details - What kind of meatballs?

JamesTheScot

update:

after trying about 5 different times over a thirty minute period, the driver side door opened. since i pounded on the door frame in frustration, i must assume that the vibrations caused something to line up some way so that the door handle finally worked...though the handle itself now won't return flush in the door. but as this was the aftermarket handle that seemed to still be attached, maybe all is not lost.

no fold-down seats so i am keeping the windows down, plastic at the ready and one eye towards the clouds.

any recommendations for replacement mechanisms. i am a little concerned as the driver-side handle was just replaced couple of months ago.

as for the meatballs, they were saved.

as for the specifications of the meatballs.

2lb. ground round
1lb. mild sausage
1 large onion, minced
6 cloves of garlic, minced
1.5 cups of bread crumbs
3 eggs
lots of finely chopped fresh thyme
lots of finely chopped fresh oregano
lots of finely chopped fresh italian basil
lots of finely chopped fresh purple basil
salt and pepper to taste

mix it all up in a large bowl and shape into balls by hand (size is up to you). brown them in an olive oil/butter mix, pour off excess grease, then deglaze skillet with wine (white or red will do). put meatballs back into skillet, add your favorite tomato sauce, and simmer until ready to serve.

you can also bake the meatballs on a cookie sheet if browning them is unattractive to you.

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93 Euro Coupe (3.1L V6)

Blue Bowtie

NOW we're getting somewhere - To the meat of the problem!

I'd suggest you remove the interior trim panel from the driver's door and inspect the mechanism. It's fairly self-explanatory once you're looking at it. You may be able to bend/adjust linkage rods so that the latch release operates reliably. With the window raised, everything is fairly obvious. While you're in there, it's a good idea to clean the linkages and apply some fresh white lithium grease to the moving parts. Don't forget the window regulator mechanism, too.

Plan on a repeat performance on the passenger door sometine in the near future.

What? No garlic?

jaysonsperling

Mmmmmm, meatballs. And, yes Blue, there's garlic there

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2000 Dodge Grand Caravan