Fiesta passenger door

[Lois]

About a year ago I started to notice that my passenger door was starting to get a bit stiff. It isn't really used that much so just put it down to that. However, yesterday I tried to open it from the outside and couldn't, it just felt like it was locked, even though it wasn't.
My friend has the model before mine and said he's having problems with his passenger door not opening from the outside (mine also feels like the handle is going to snap off if I try from the inside too!).

Anyone know what it is likely to be and how to fix it?

[nighthawk]

Sounds like the latch has siezed up.

you can either try and free it off and lubricate it, or replace it.

It's around 20mins to replace the latch, if the door can be opened.

[Lois]

I've managed to open it yesterday and it does seem a tad easier. Would WD40 around the latch cause any harm or is it worth a try?

[deevlash]

I wouldnt have thought that would cause any harm. Maybe buy a wee pot of grease and slap it around. Or weld the doors shut and get in through the windows, yeeehaaaaw!

[nighthawk]

A good soaking in WD40 never did anything any harm, if you have the little straw with the can, poke it into the door cavity and directing it towards the latch. If you hold the exterior handle up you can get the straw in through the holes in the door panel.

Actually getting the WD onto the latch is a hit and miss afair though.

Might make an improvement though


WD40 isn't a long term solution though as it's too thin to lubricate for long periods.

[Lois]

nighthawk said:

A good soaking in WD40 never did anything any harm,

Tell that to my hamster

[nighthawk]

why do I have visions in my head now of you soaking a small furry thing in order to provide lubrication......

[Lois]

bugger didn't think of that! Good job I don't actually own a hamster!