Help!!! Door spring

[tuanle16]

Please advice. I was opening my door and heard a "pop". I thought the handle broke. But upon closer examination, it seems intact. Must be a spring behind the door and handle that broke. Because the handle doesn't spring back to closed position. I can manually push it back, but it's very loose and unsteady. When I close the door, the window doesn't come up to the top unless the handle is flush w door.

So 2 questions…Is there a spring back there that holds the handle in place? And how do I get to it? I'm afraid of opening the door panel in fear of the side airbag deploying. Anyone have this problem before? Any pic of how yo fix or at least access the panel would be greatly appreciated! Thanks.

[thom4782]

I have not worked on the door handle and don't know how to fix it.

As an FYI, however, you can see an exploded parts diagram in the Boxster parts catalog. It's on p 228 of the PDF. It will give you a sense of what parts are involved. You'll find the catalog at: http://www.porsche.com/all/media/pdf/originalparts/usa/986_USA_KATALOG.pdf

[Meir]

Look here

http://986forum.com/forums/performance-technical-chat/37984-winter-project.html

You don't need to be worry about the air bag, it doesnt explode by itself.
Worst case you get a fault code.
To prevent that, just disconnect the battery, and wait 15 minute before removing the door panel. By that time, the capasitor that backs up the air bag system, will be discharged.
Removing the door panel cover is relatively easy, but you will need torx,Allen,and philips screwdrivers ( go figure).
You can find very good instructions for rmoving the door panel, on the pelican parts website.
Just one tip. Make sure the window is up before you disconnect the bettery.
If not, it will block your access to the door lock mechanism.
Good luck.

[thom4782]

Take a look at picture 2 in the following Pelican technical article: Pelican Technical Article: Boxster Door Lock Mechanism / Boxster Door Handle - 986 / 987. It has a great picture of the door lock / handle mechanism from the inside of the door. There is a spring in the upper left corner.

[tuanle16]

thanks for all of the advice. but to clarify, it is in the inside door handle that i am referring to. please help fellas.

[thom4782]

Take a look at this thread especially post 2, 7 and 8. I hope it helps. interior Door handle snap - Pelican Parts Technical BBS

[tuanle16]

thanks Thom.. that threads sounds EXACTLY like what i am experiencing.

[dghii]

Easy job.
I did this repair a couple of years ago on the drivers side of my 2000S. I couldn't find a spirng I liked at my local hardware store so I repaired mine. No issues since.

1. disconnect battery (you can hook up a 9v battery through your lighter socket to save your radio codes).

2. Remove door panel.

3. Find busted spring...my guess is that it will be attached at one end and the other end's 'U" will be broke.

4. Straighten out the broke end of the spring and make a new 'U'.

5. Reconnect the spring.

6. Reassemble.

7. Go have an egg nog!

[dghii]

Here is the link I used for door panel removal (just scroll down a bit)

Boxster Projects | Power Window Motor Repair

[tuanle16]

Thanks. Worked perfect!! But now that I disconnected battery, I have reconnected and battery seems to work, but the electrical system is acting up. Car won't even start or turn over! When I turn the key, it clicks and all lights flash etc. I tried jumping the battery, but didn't help. Any suggestions?

[dghii]

How old is your battery? Your battery is either bad or most likely has a bad connection. disconnect both battery cables. make sure cables and terminals are clean and in good shape.

Clicking means you don't have enough juice to engage the starter.

[tuanle16]

thanks. i would say battery is 3-4 years old. but was working fine, prior to disconnecting. and also, i used jump cables from my other car, and still no help. i'll try disconnecting both terminals and give it some a good cleaning. thanks for the advice...on both battery and door!

[tuanle16]

thanks everyone. door fixed! battery re-charged. p-car running smooth.