1996 Chevy Cavalier Passenger Door Assembly

TAMAINV

MEMBER
1996 CHEVROLET CAVALIER
4 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
18,000 MILES

We have a 96 Cavalier. Today the passenger door decided not to latch and close. So it was driven home with someone holding it closed. I have checked everything I know, pulled off the door panel, the interior lock and door handle move the rods inside but I don't see the outside handle moving very much. There is some small rod that moves up and down but it has no control over the locking piece on the side of the door.

What can I do to fix this door so that it will close?

Thank you

4 Replies

BLUELIGHTNIN6

MECHANIC
16,542 POSTS

Have a helper hold the outter door handle in the open position. Then use a flat blade tool or screwdriver and flip down the latch in the door jamb, the little C latch looking thing on the inner door area has most likely been knocked up which will preventing the door from closing shut and latching.

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Friday, September 3rd, 2010 AT 9:19 PM

TAMAINV

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Tried that. The C latch is in it's normal position. I have moved it both up and down and nothing. I'm guessing there is some piece on the inside of the door that has either come loose or broken but I'm not sure what that piece is and I can't find a diagram of the inside door online.

Thanks for your assistance.

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Saturday, September 4th, 2010 AT 5:17 AM

BLUELIGHTNIN6

MECHANIC
16,542 POSTS

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Saturday, September 4th, 2010 AT 12:31 PM

TAMAINV

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Bluelightnin6 thank you for the picture. Now I'll see what I can figure out. If I can't get it fixed, I will take to a mechanic on Tuesday. Seems this car wants to go down when it's a holiday or weekend and there are no mechanics on duty.

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Sunday, September 5th, 2010 AT 5:37 AM