Alternative Strategy for Getting the Door Open When the Outer Door Handles Will Not Work (4.0/4.6/p38A)

Introduction
Door Trim Removal
Door Lock Mechanism Removal
Replacement
More Information


Introduction

Peter Sterling offers this description of how to get the door open on a Range Rover 4.0/4.6 when for some reason the outer door handles are not operating (either the car is stuck in "superlock" or a latch or servo needs replacing).

Door trim removal - Front Door

Position the car so that the sun can be reflected into the door cavity with a mirror

Remove the wing mirror facia and remove the hidden screw.

Loosen 2 screws in the door armrest. The armrest is glued to the door trim, so do not try to pull it off the door trim.

Undo the screw behind the inner door unlock handle.

Loosen door trim clips at the side and work your way around.

Door Lock Mechanism (DLM) Removal

Undo the three obvious screws securing the door locking mechanism (DLM).

Undo the obvious screw holding the outer door handle in place.

Remove the 2 connectors to the DLM – check for lubricant contamination.

There are two actuating rods from the outer door handle to the DLM. Check the free play on the one which opens the door via the outer door handle. It has a screw adjustment to alter its length and stroke This should be adjusted if you are having trouble at times opening the door from the outside.

1.      One actuating rod from the outer door handle is secured to the outer door handle by a metal clip. The end of this rod has an obvious head which is pushed through this clip. Remove this actuator rod by spreading the clip slight with the blade of a screwdriver. LEAVE THIS ROD ATTACHED TO THE DLM.

2.      On the second actuator rod from the outer door handle, unclip it from the DLM and leave it hanging from the outer door handle if you are not going to adjust its length. To achieve this, slide sideways the typical door clip which is attached to the rod-adjusting end. Adjust the stroke of this rod now if required

3.      Remove the actuating cable from the inner door handle to the DLM. Be very careful that you do not crack or break the plastic cam into which this actuating cable is attached

4.      Unscrew the head from the door lock rod, which is used to lock the door from inside. Leave tis rod attached to the DLM.

 Finally remove the DLM – you may have to bend the door metal to achieve this easily – it is only soft aluminium.


Replacement

Replace the DLM and secure it with one screw if required. The DLM should have 2 actuating rods attached prior to re-locating it into the door.

Reverse action 1 first i.e. push the head back into the clip.

Reverse action 2.

Reverse action 3.


More Information

Main Door Lock Diagnosis and Repair Page

Replacing the Latch

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