Driver’s side door not opening

ANSWER : Hi there. These door issues are common on this vehicle. Most of the time the main issue is the master door lock switch on the driver door. It sounds like you already replaced that. As for the sliding door problem, most of the time, this is a failure within the door module or it can be a connection issue.

I typically take the door apart and check the connections on the module and inside of the door just to make sure that there is nothing apparent in there. If the connections and the wiring are fine, then I use a scan tool to check the module to see what the inputs and outputs are doing. If you need to have this looked at, consider YourMechanic, as a certified mechanic can come to your home or office to diagnose your door problem and recommend a repair.

ANSWER : This is often related to a malfunctioning door lock actuator, a blown fuse or a faulty power door lock switch. When you use the door lock switch in the car it sends a signal to a relay which then activates an actuator inside the door. The actuator is the final step in the process in that it is a small motor with a set of gears that actually locks and unlocks the latch mechanism inside the door allowing the door to open. When this motor is bad, the latch mechanism will fail to operate and cause the door not to unlock as it is designed to. In the case of a bad door lock relay, the power, normally needed to send the signal from the switch when you activate it to the actuator motor is not there. This means the relay is not allowing the circuit to be completed and the actuator motor is not activated. Any of the above may cause your power door lock switches not to work properly and should be diagnosed by a qualified mechanic. I would suggest having a professional from YourMechanic come to your location to take a look at the door locks in your vehicle.

ANSWER : The drivers door inside panel will need to come off to reconnect the latch handle control arm. Sometimes the plastic clips that hold the rod on break and rod fall off and jams the door shut. The latch rod can be released by using a locksmith kit and lifting up on loose rod. Have a locksmith get the door open then a mechanic like one from YourMechanic can remove the door panel to get to and fix the broken clip or handle.

ANSWER : Your central locking system may have been designed with a control module in the circuit. This is a small computer that is responsible for controlling the different functions of a particular system. It is possible that the module for your central locking system may have shorted out internally preventing particular functions from working properly. I would recommend having a certified technician test your central locking module to determine if all of its functions are working properly.

ANSWER : Hello. This is a common issue. The door handles are linked to the latch assembly via metal rods. The rods are inserted into the door handle which is made of plastic. Over time, the plastic part of the door handle where the rod is located breaks. The repair is a complete door handle replacement. Some vehicle have updated parts where the stress point of the handle is now metal. A mechanic, such as one from YourMechanic, will be able to inspect the door issue for you and confirm if this is in fact the issue.

ANSWER : Hi. The power door locking system uses an electronic actuator to move the locking mechanism inside the door. It seems you may have a fault concerning the actuator or circuit regarding the drivers door. The cause can be a faulty actuator or wiring and in many cases, the linkage between the actuator and pull switch. If you need further assistance, I recommend you have a certified technician, like one from YourMechanic, inspect the door issue on your vehicle and suggest an appropriate repair.

ANSWER : Hi Rachel. Thanks for contacting YourMechanic.com about the door problems that your BMW and Volvo are experiencing. Our process for completing repairs is a bit different than most garages, dealerships or repair centers. Since we are mobile, the first thing we suggest is setting up an inspection to determine what exactly is damaged and causing the problem. On most cars, trucks and SUV’s sold today, there are more five individual components and systems that must all work together – just to open a door. Knowing what item is broken and requires replacement is the best way to ensure the repair is done efficiently and you save money. Since there are two different cars, with two different door issues, it would be best for you to set up a door will not open inspection first; which will allow us to diagnose each component failure, secure the right replacement parts and complete the repairs for you at your location.

ANSWER : Hi there. In general, wiring harnesses are sold by the manufacturer as a whole harness; not individual wires. It is much easier, cost-efficient and safer to replace the entire harness if it’s determined that it is faulty and the source of your alarm / door issue. It would be best to have one of our mobile mechanics come to your location and complete an electrical problems inspection though, as it’s possible that this issue is related to an error code trapped in the ECU. If this is the case, simply clearing the code will resolve the problem. If the issue is determined to be the wiring harness or an exposed wire, they can recommend and most likely complete the repairs as well.