I have what I think is a major problem.

My wifes car (skoda fabia) rear passenger door will not open.

I brought the haynes manual for the car, hoping it would give me some clues how to gain access etc.

It shows me how to remove the inner panel, and the lock etc - but along with this says the door must be open!!!!

I had to remove the rear seat, and just about got the inner panel to tilt up so I could gain access to the alli panel that holds all the windows stuff. Remove this panel also remove the window mechanism, so i taped the window up, so it did not drop.

But this is where I am stuck, this will not come out because the door is closed. As I need to disconnect the lock - but I need the door open to do that.

What choices do I have, or would people advise I do next.

I am not 100% sure what is wrong, so do not want to start ordering parts if that do not need replacing.

It may work by using a slim jim. That's a strip of (normally) flat spring steel strip about 25mm wide with a section cut out at one end. Slide it between the window glass and the outer window/door seal. Unless they've shielded the locks you should be able to pick up the door catch inside the door to release it. Just be aware the warning if you have air-bags in the door.
BOL.
Cheers, Pewe
slim jim
PS May be possible to make your own by grinding the teeth off a hacksaw blade and then grinding out the indent.

[Edited on 25/10/10 by pewe]

From my experience the rod from the handle to the latch mechanism will move by hand even if the actual lock is locked or not. So getting your hand in and pushing / pulling the rod would have worked.
EDIT: actually, reading that doesn't make sense. I am sure I have opened a couple of cars I have broken for parts with locked doors and no keys.

[Edited on 25/10/10 by balidey]

Depends what has failed. If it's linkage related then as above have said. However, if like a Pug 106 I had in
recently which the lock had jammed I had to remove the door card and smash the lock apart with hammer and chisel
working through a 75 mm circular aperture.
Turned out a numpty had replaced one of the lock screws with a long one that jammed the lock. He shut the door without testing it and that was it.

Hoping it is something simple, the wife said the door was playing up for about 2 weeks, and then finally told me about it when she could not open the door!!!!

I may try and find a local scrap yard with a rear door for parts that I am likely to cut up to get at stuff.


I do not really want to take it to a garage as I have the feeling it would cost me more then the car is worth!!!!