Cannot open door from the outside. Inside works.

[maurycy]

Hi,

I have a 96 Buick Regal Custom (4DR, 3.8 Series II). I cannot open the front passenger door from the outside. Inside works fine. I was able to locate two posts about that but I think my problem is a little different.

I took the inside door panel off and I was able to see all the metal wires going to the handle. When I use outside handle they move. Same with inside handle. It looks like the problem might be with the door lock that's on a side and not with the handle.

Can somebody tell me what should I check next? Do I need to replace the handle or something else? I am suspicious about the handle because it looks like it is working. It just doesn't open the door.

Thanks,
Maurycy

[raybuick]

Hey Maurycy, i have the same problem on my 94 but i haven't attacked the problem yet, again. I think either the door handle is cracked where it pushes down on the linkage to the latch, or the metal linkage to the latch got off dimension from forcing the door handle during extreme cold weather. There's 2 bolts that hold the door handle on from the inside. I recommend taking them out, and looking at the door handle. The handle will not come fully out because the linkage will hold it in position. If its okay, then the linkage line could be bent a little to accomodate the latch. good luck.

[maurycy]

Thanks raybuick for replay.

I was able to remove the handle and take a look at it. It wasn't broken. All I had to do is to straighten the metal rod a little bit. It works now.

Maurycy