Rear door stuck closed

Hi Poppy9,

This door should have a latch on the top and bottom. Can you tell if either latch is releasing or does it seem like the handle is the issue because it is not pulling the latches?

Here is the procedure to remove the handle. I would start with this or removing the interior trim piece so that you can see what is going on inside the door.

Just so you are aware, these lower latches are very well known for rusting because they are close to the rocker panel that rusts out pretty easily. If you have rust towards the bottom of the door or rocker panel, I would go ahead and pull the interior trim and see if there is rust at the bottom.

If so, you will need to soak it in rust penetrating oil and work it loose.

Let me know if you have questions and we can go from there. Thanks

Oh boy. Sorry to hear to that. There is no easy way to get it out. I would remove the interior panel so you can see the latch and just start soaking it with penetrating oil. Let it sit over night and then hopefully you can work it loose.

Unfortunately, there is no trick to getting this off. It is just going to take a lot of working moving it manually trying to break it loose, oil, and patients.

Please let me know if you need anything. Sorry I didn't have a "magic wand" for you on this one.