Door Won't Open
 

Weird problem on my Boxster. When I pull the latch, either inside or outside, the door won't open. The window drops when I pull on the latch though. So I've been climbing in through the passenger side...

Full background: A couple of days ago, I noticed I couldn't turn the key in the door lock tumbler. My key fob button doesn't work, so this is how I lock and unlock the car. At this point, I had no issues opening the door - I just couldn't lock it from the outside. I disassembled the door to confirm that it was the tumbler, and sure enough, the internal pieces were crumbled. I ordered the Regulator Fix kit (https://www.ebay.com/itm/153672983298) and put the door back together. At this point, still no issues opening and closing the door.

I think what happened was that I locked the car from the inside. I don't know if that triggered something in the actuator, but now the door won't open. Locking/unlocking the car from the inside does nothing now. Will I fix this by repairing the tumbler, or does is seem like the actual actuator failed? Since the window drops, I think that's working. Maybe I just didn't reinstall something properly?

Also, how do I get the door card off without opening the door?

First of all disconnect battery long enough and reconnect, try again opening with fob then.
Dropping the window only means that the microswitch works, the next stage is operating the lock manually.
The worst case scenario would be that it is unhooked. You need to open the door with the fob to be able to repair it properly -- imho.


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Thanks. Tried that trick, but I couldn't get it to work. The button on my fob has never worked though.

Think I'll have to call a locksmith

Just for the record, even if it is perhaps stupid, have you tried the lock/unlock button?

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Haha yes, I have. I can hear it engage and disengage on both doors. Does that mean the motor works? So it's probably just the handles being disconnected or something

With the doors unlocked (by the internal button) give the door a whack with your palm, about 2" above the handle and then pull on the handle to see if you can get the door open. Never tried it but have read a few threads that this can work.

No luck with that either. Just some weird looks from the neighbors. Think I'm just going to call a locksmith tomorrow

This is a head scratcher for sure. I’d suggest that the locksmith is going to be your next step. Since you can get into the car, dropping the window may (or may not) be helpful in that regard.

The only way to remove the door card while the door is closed is going to be destructive, so either a locksmith or a mechanic - dealer or otherwise - who knows his way around the latch assembly may be your only salvation. What a new (to you) door card costs vs a mechanic’s hourly rate would be your trade space on that decision.

Would you be so kind as to clarify the sequence of events here? Specifically, did the interior and exterior door handles work after you put the door back together, and then some time later stop doing so? Or was it as soon as you buttoned it back up?

Regards,

Ok, so if anyone ever finds this in the future, It is possible to get the door card off without completely damaging it if your door is jammed shut. You are probably going to break the three plastic clips at the front of the card (next to the dash). Once you shear those clips (and undo all other fasteners), you can slide the card out. Helps to have the roof down so you have some more working space - that way you can lift the card straight up.

I am still confused as to what actually caused the door latches to stop working... After I pulled the door card out, I just fiddled with the latch mechanism for a second and everything started working again. Maybe the cable just wasn't seated properly? I have no idea.

Yeah, I put the door back together and both the inside and outside latches worked fine at first. I left the car unlocked while parked and had no issues. When I drove it, I locked it from the inside (dash button), and the latches stopped working (both the inside and outside, whether locked or unlocked).

Anyways, I installed the new lock tumbler parts from the Regulator Fix kit and everything works fine now.

Congratulations, well done and one more experience. However, I would now strongly recommend either repairing the "old" key or buying and programming a new one.

That’s great to know! Those clips are cheap, and probably needed replacing anyhow:-)

That is confusing for sure. That both the inside and outside latch handles stopped working is the real challenge. Perhaps something to do with the lock tumbler being bad, and leaving the locking mechanism in an uncertain state? We’ll likely never know…

Did you try the Fonzy? Sometimes when this happens you can bang your fist very hard on the keyhole and get the spring sprung, but it still needed fixing. Tell your friends. Save a locksmith fee. And an embarrassing date. “Sorry sexy, my PORSCHE won’t let me in.”