Door Won't Open From Inside or Outside

I've got a 2001 996 Turbo Coupe (I posted here since the door should be the same and more folks in this forum) and I currently have an issue which I cannot resolve. I cannot open the door from either inside or outside. It is not all the way latched it seems, though when I open the handle from the inside, and sometimes the outside, the interior light goes on signifying the microswitch has engaged. This all started with an issue with the window not dropping on door open which I resolved... Using this forum I successfully determined and resolved that issue, by removing the door panel, door latch, and cleaning out the microswitch in the latch. In the process of doing this I noticed that one of the triple square door latch screws was stripped as I had to remove with pliers. I had to order the special screw, so once I got it put back together I tightened one and put the other (stripped one) back in loosely as I ordered and awaited the special screw. I drove it once (perhaps a mistake), but it was opening/closing/window dropping properly and then I left town for a week. I received the screw while I was gone, so when I returned home I went to open the door, (planning to install the replacement screw) but much to my chagrin I was unable to open the door from the outside. Tried the inside with no luck. I have read all kinds of articles, I tried validating that the latch was resetting all the way, I even bought air-pump-locksmith-tool to try and raise up the door in case it had become misaligned over the week resulting in the non-operation. I've tried locking/unlocking. I've tried using a coat hanger, but I can't get the latch to engage/disengage to get the door open... I am at a total loss and do not know what to do to this point. Has anyone ever had a similar situation, and what did you do to resolve? I'm open to about any suggestions at this point (short of taking to an Indy shop as that's my next/last step).

Can you lower the windows using the key in the door? If so you may be able to try the lock/unlock switch on the dash. Otherwise you'll probably have try a locksmith. Edit: Having just reread your post I see you can get inside presumably using the passenger door. Try the dash switch

Check fuses C-3 and D-1 to make sure there is power. Sounds like to me the Bowden cable from the door handle to the latch has come undone, or something like that. You may have to try and remove the door panel again while the door is closed to check the mechanism. If you manage to remove the door panel, you may be able to manually operate the latch to get it to release. See this diagram and Part #16 http://www.autoatlanta.com/porsche-p...section=804-00 I wonder if a slight misalignment of the latch mechanism is binding on the strike plate? Maybe pull on the inside handle while giving the door a really good push outward?

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I was thinking this may be the problem as the bowden cable feels and appears (from what I can see looking through the window crack to be connected properly, unfortunately I have been unsuccessful in this method

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Yeah I don't think it is the lock engagement as I have tried locking unlocking (it is the passenger door so no key insert).

I have a perhaps related issue that I need to explore as well, just not looking forward to taking the door apart again... I replaced my regulator and then had a problem with the door latch so I replaced that as well. Window now works great, door latch, well, read on... When unlocked, door opens great from inside or out, no issues. When locked the key will not unlock it, it just turns in the lock cylinder like you'd expect but without actually doing anything. However, the keyfob DOES unlock it which is just as God intended, however after that I have to pull the doorhandle up several times (anywhere from 3 to 10 times) before the door pops open. Note that the window drops slightly with every pull of the handle so it IS getting the signal that I want to open the door... If I get it open and then close it and relock it, upon unlocking it again the whole cycle resets and I have to pull the handle a number of times again to open it. However if I get it open and then close it WITHOUT relocking it it opens first time every time as per normal. So something with the lock/unlock cycle is haywire. Any experience would be appreciated. When I replaced the latch I was able to do so without actually taking the doorhandle out of the door, I was able to undo and re-fasten the little threaded rod into the plastic tab thing from the door handle by somehow making my fingers perform a very unnatural move (akin perhaps to a CounterClockwise Swirl with a Knuckle if you are a Seinfeld fan)

i also need help on this. i have the same issue as Jeremy with my 99 996 Carrera. i can't open from the inside and outside passenger door after replacing the window microswitch. the latch lock and the closing element door catch bar won't disengage. i was thinking that 2 years ago i have different issue with the passenger door. the door won't closed. the lock and the catch won't engage and i'm having problem with my key removing from the ignition switch. until i replaced the ignition switch. the whole thing went back to normal. the Q now is do i have to replace the ignition key again. replacing the ignition key is a hard job. long hours of hard work. anyway, i'll give it a try and see what happen. if you have an easiest way to resolve this issue. please let me know. thanks.

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Did you ever get this resolved? I'm having the exact same issue.

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I tried many, many things, eventually after exhausting them all took to a body shop. They had to cut and fabricate a tool to remove the exterior handle and go through there to get the latch released. I just paid them to replace the whole assembly. Wish I had started there and saved tons of time, frustration and scratches to the door jamb (trying to do it myself)

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I'm thinking this may be my problem: You Tube Were you not able to pull the handle assembly out of the door after undoing the screws from inside the door?

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No, my latch wouldn't fully disengage upon pulling the handle. I think one of the micro switches wasn't triggering- causing the handle pull to not disengage the latch

That really sucks Jeremy!

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Hi WR, I just bought my first 996 a couple of weeks ago. The passenger side door has the exact problem too but I didn't pay attention to this when buying. It will take 3 times to 10 times to open and it will finally open. Every time the window does drop a bit and close. Once the door is open so long as you don't lock the door again it will open every time as it should. I saw JW's advice, "it takes to enter from the handle outside to get the latch released". But if such problem is related to the latch then it shouldn't take 3 to 10 times to open the door but rather it should not open at all? So I am scratching my head which parts to change or repair rather than changing the whole lot like JW experienced.

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it takes awhile before i figured out this passenger door problem. probably 3 months or four. the door lock mechanism is a common problem of 996 carrera defective. anyway, if you tap the edge of the door handle from the outside 3 times door may open. if door open remove the door panel. you need T25 10mm socket Philipp and Flat Screw driver. disconnect the battery before removing the airbag. otherwise, you'll get an airbag light. you can find pictures that will guide you on how to remove the door panel at Pelican Technical Article: Porsche 911 Carrera Door Locks and Handles. replace the door lock. i bought mine on ebay for $50. good luck.

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Sounds like a mechanical problem of the door latch itself.

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Hi aqtlibra , Thanks for your opinion; I get your idea. I just typed a search of 996 Door lock in eb. There are actually a few item descriptions: -door actuator lock module. -door lock actuator handle latch. -door lock latch assembly Are they all meaning the same part? But they looked from something small piece behind the handle to a sizeable block. Price also ranges from USD 60-150. Another potentially confusing aspect is that, we are in HK driving on the other side, the passenger door is on the left with no external lock. If I happen to buy a handle from a US spec, say. will I get a handle with a lock with it. Or the inside mechanism is independent to the outside handle regardless?

Check the parts diagram here for your MY. You want part #14, door lock. The lock tumbler where the key inserts into is a separate part. http://www.autoatlanta.com/porsche-p...section=804-00

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If you live in HK you should buy it in UK at ebay.co.uk 996 LH passenger door latch lock. good luck

Hi Walter, I just experienced this morning a bipolar door handle exactly as you described it. Can you describe specifically what part it was that needed replacement? I am comfortable working on the door as I did the window regulator last month. Thanks a lot

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Hi Walter, I just experienced this morning a bipolar door handle exactly as you described it. Can you describe specifically what part it was that needed replacement? I am comfortable working on the door as I did the window regulator last month. Thanks a lot

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You more than likely need a new door lock assembly. Pretty common wear item. They run about $200 from Pelican Parts.

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If it's the driver door I just put a lock mechanism up for sale today.

Hi all, I am having the same issue after replacing the window regulator. My specifics are: Passenger door US Car When the door card is off, everthing works fine... when door card is on then the handles dont operate, initially the internal then both. I had the door wont open issue as well and luckliy I was able to remove the door card whilst door was closed, and it opened. I am wondering if the torque of the xzn bolts affect this as the Pelican parts states that the se are lighltly torqued from the factory and I may have overdone it there. I am happy to change door latch mech as i have no lock tumbler on the passenger side. microswitches work fine as windows drop etc prior to opening/closing Thoughts before I change the latch mech?

Quick follow up. I opened the windows and the top by using the key in the driver's side door lock. At that point the driver's side door opens and closes just fine. So, I am guessing it's a micro switch. Any guesses as to which one?

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Crazy that this is happening to a bunch of us. I literally just ran into this issue. When I bough the car the outside door handle came disconnected from the door lock. Easy fix. Months later, door lock sounds like it actuates (with key or interior button) on the passenger side but neither the bowden cable nor outside door handle can open the door. It feels like it's locked. When unlocked there's a distinct increase in pressure on the cable when it's about to open. I've given it a few love taps on the inside of the door (panel removed). Anyone ever disconnected the door lock with the door still closed? Such a weird behavior.

I�m not certain if this is the same problem, however NEITHER my fob or the key will open the drivers door. No sounds, no window clearance drop, no clicks, ticks, or knocks. Just� nothing. Red light on the dashboard is still blinking on and off, and my USB adapter in the cig lighter still has red leds lit. So I don�t think it�s the battery. But, could it be? Could the main computer be down. I'm completely flummoxed at this stage. Does anybody have any ideas, or experience that might point me in the right direction? Btw, there was no lead up to this in anyway. It just summarily started occurring one night. I haven�t been able to drive it since this began. 2002 C2 Cab

Sounds like the door lock actuator. However, mine makes all the appropriate noises and lowers the window. It just won't freakin open! Is there a way of removing the door lock actuator w/o the door being open?

I keep seeing this thread come back from the dead - and I have to laugh because the OP's post is about the car that I now have. PS, both my doors are working flawlessly five years later so whatever Jeremy did is holding up.

For me it's all about getting the door open. After that I can swap parts like the best of 'em.

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Thank you for sharing your experiences. I�m still in the same boat. I did locate the engine cover cable, and tugged it to get the cover open thinking that I could trickle charge the battery, and either rule that out, or remedy the power level to get the lock working to get into the car. The only thing that happened was the alarm went off straight away. It sounded healthy, as in the battery was not low healthy. I was hoping it was a low/dead battery issue, but alas, nope. I�ve been reading a number of posts, but nothing seems to have this particular problem. As it happens, I have another 996 (a �99) that is sitting idle right now due to a dead alternator, and even without any power, the lock mechanism on it still works by twisting the key in the door lock. Does anybody have any further thoughts, I am flummoxed.

Since I just dropped the engine in my 996 I tried the door again. It opened! I'm thinking that once I disconnected the battery it could mechanically open. So looks like the actuator is bad or misaligned. There's a few steps you're supposed to follow when you re-install it so I'll be following those before spending $$ on a used/new one. But that's after I put the engine back in.

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Hmmmmn, maybe what I need to do is DISCONNECT the battery. Maybe no juice will reset it or somehow allow it to work�

Did disconnecting the battery work?

I had the same problem as several previous posters. As someone said before, this keeps coming up. 2002 996 Targa with a stuck driver's side door. The window will come down slightly but when pulling the door handle, the latch will not disengage allowing entry. A temporary resolution before tearing apart the door to fix the problem is to firmly bump the door in front of the door handle. I too need to dig into what the problem is but here's a quick solution to getting in, in a pinch. You Tube I hope this helps someone else. If you have what parts fixed yours, I'd love a link to a US supplier.

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Your lock mechanism is about to go. Change out the part before bumping the door method doesn't work anymore because you must have access to inside the door with it opened. Follow these instructions... https://rennlist.com/forums/996-foru...-detailed.html

Thank you B3freak! So I order and replace the correct piece, is it correct to order and replace this component to fix the problem? 9A7-837-015-03-OEM / R8N1837015C

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You can also just press the door in a little bit while opening I've found. Although I'm wondering what is failing inside the latch to cause this? Edit: this is a really extensive thread on possible solutions for rebuild https://rennlist.com/forums/996-foru...rebuild-2.html