986 Door won't open from the outside.

[99 Boxcutter]

I woke up this morning and out of nowhere my drivers side door wouldn't open. I went in through the passenger side and was able to open it from the inside. I made a video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JTeLXkoBtGI

[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

[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.

[JayG]

While WD-40 does have some lubrication qualities, its not really a lubricant. It will actually wash out some lubricants. Try one of the silicone or Teflon spray lubes you can find at the parts store or Home Depot/Lowes if you want a spray lube

[Smallblock454]

I think the electronic servo relais that opens the door isn't working on the left side.
Check fuses and wiring.

Here is a photo of the complete door locking mechanism which includes the servo:



Regards
Markus

[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.

[DG Boxster]

My car randomly won't unlock the door, but turning the key causes the window to go up and down. When it does this, I turn the key to lock and then it unlocks. This doesn't happen very often.

On a related note, fairly often the door opens, but the rest of the car stays locked (trunks, gas filler). This happens more often. If I start the car the red light on the lock switch lights up and I can use that to unlock everything.

I don't even have keyless entry.

I think Porsche made the locking system too German.