986 Door won't open from the outside.

[99 Boxcutter]

Originally Posted by Run

When holding the outside handle up does the window go down?
If not look at the switch if so then check the inside of the door where the handle attaches to the locking mech. There is a plastic part that attaches to the mech via a post on the inside of the door. My box is an 03 short of all that then last resort would me the door latch itself

Thanks Run, but I don't think that's it because the window still goes up and down. there's a part in the video that shows that.

[itsnotanova]

You're going to have to take your door panel off to get access to behind the door handle. Even when its off, it will be hard to see back there. It sounds like the slip collar came off and the door handle rod came out. I'm sure someone will post a diagram of what I'm talking about.

[ilikeching]

I'm sure you just have to lubricate the door mechanism with grease(try wd40 first).
maybe something came off or some spring won't return. have you tried to open/lock with key?
i had similar situation.

[particlewave]

Originally Posted by itsnotanova

You're going to have to take your door panel off to get access to behind the door handle. Even when its off, it will be hard to see back there. It sounds like the slip collar came off and the door handle rod came out. I'm sure someone will post a diagram of what I'm talking about.

+1. Woody is probably right

[itsnotanova]

I took a picture to show you the part that probably came off. You can actually see it better in the second picture on smallblock454's post. That black J shaped part on the top is what more than likely came off. There's a rod that's connected to your door handle. It just slips into that J shaped part and then the slip collar goes outward toward the handle. That's how it connects.

[BrokenLinkage]

To all the forum members who encouraged the installation of the revised emergency frunk release cable. I had the same problem when my battery died - wouldn't start, so hit the remote to lock it and jumped into another car to get to work. Came back to put it on the charger next day and WTH - not only does the remote not unlock it, THE KEY WONT EVEN OPEN THE DOOR LOCK! At first I thought it was just frozen shut. (6 degrees F that am) Feels like something is just not engaging.
So I pop the frunk emergency cable & hook up the charger. And with the resumption of power, the door handle suddenly works again!
So maybe there is some necessary electrical function witbout which the mechanicals disengage. Brighter minds will have to adress the why, I just found it odd, and was relieved that it went back to normal function.