Front driver side door handle not working after using a Slim Jim to open door

2008 CHEVROLET COBALT
160,000 MILES • 2.2L • 4 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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BOSTONBOATSWAIN
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  • 45 POSTS
Locked key's in car, they got door open with a Slim Jim on passenger side.

Now, door handle on driver door pulls out but, door doesn't open.

Key will lock/unlock door.
Can open door from inside handle.

Can hear a tinny sound when moving door. Sounds like something loose.

Any help appreciated
D
Apr 27, 2020 at 9:34 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
  • 110,190 POSTS
Hi,

Chances are the either they broke the linkage rod or caused it to come disconnected. If you look at pic 1, I circled where the linkage attached to the door. I highlighted the linkage rod I'm referring to. I suspect that rod is disconnected at one side or the other.

What needs done is to simply remove the door panel and inspect that rod. They could have broken the handle, but that is unlikely.

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For door panel removal and replacement, refer to pics 2 and 3.


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If by chance the handle was broken, pics 4 and 5 explain how that is done.

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Let me know what you find or if you have other questions.

Take care,
Joe
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Apr 27, 2020 at 11:09 AM
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BOSTONBOATSWAIN
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Inside the door panel there is a skinny rod. It's attached to something near where door breadbasket m handle is, the bottom of rod is just dangling. Should bottom of rod be loose or attached to something?
Apr 28, 2020 at 8:53 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
  • 110,190 POSTS
Hi,

That should be attached to the door latch assembly. That is why it isn't working. There should be a lever on the latch assembly it attaches to. If you can't locate it (I can't find any good pictures) let me know.

Joe
Apr 28, 2020 at 10:01 PM