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MG Midget and Sprite Technical - Door latch frozen and won't engage

Hi,

I have an issue with my passenger door namely that it will not close as the door latch is kinda frozen and won't engage.

Initially I couldn't open the door from inside so tonight I decided to (stupidly) try & remove the latch. The actual problem was that there were 2 screws loose situated behind the escutcheon which needed tightening.

Having removed the latch I then refixed it but in doing so I've done something and the latch is locked out so won't engage when closing.

I did try to prise out the latch but couldn't manage to do it and now I'm stuck as I have no idea what to do?

Does anybody have any ideas/advice?

Thanks.
L Huggins

probably put it back in locked position
Nigel Atkins

Thanks Nigel.

Thing is the actual latch itself appears frozen? i.e you cannot move it?

I'm not sure if I need to remove the latch (which I cannot seem to do?) to see if I can free it up or whether there is something else I need to do?

Cheers.
L Huggins

Frozen? we are almost into summer!!!!!!
If you mean stuck then I am wondering if the latch is already in the closed position?

Place a screwdriver into the latch and pull it sideways and hopefully it will spring out and begin to work as designed.

If this does not work can you take a photo of the latch?
Robert (Bob) Midget Turbo

closed position - yes that's what I should have put

I'm thinking of the interior handle mech sliped or put back wrong

Bob's thinking of latch rolled on position
Nigel Atkins

Bob/Nigel,

Yep, closed would be right.

Thing is I did try to adjust it by using a screwdriver to no avail.

I'll take a photo and will upload it tomorrow.

Thanks.
L Huggins

Bob meant push the screwdriver into the catch mechanism that on the inner panel of the door - or it might be pulled it forward

whichever it'll be oppisite to what it is now
Nigel Atkins

yes put a large screwdriver blade into the lock where the pin on the jamb plate normally goes, hold the button on the handle in, and move the driver sideways like you were opening the door. The latch should open. An attractive assistant to hold the door steady will help.
David Smith

Attractive Assistant?, oh well, there's always the wife.

See photo.

Can you talk me through it please.

Thanks.

L Huggins

Very simple

Place screw driver in to latch perpendicular to latch now pull catch to left whilst pushing door open button
Robert (Bob) Midget Turbo

Hi Bob,

Yep tried that without success?

The push button will not push in. It's solid.

I placed a flatblade screw driver in the latch and forced it away from me (towards the car) and again, this did nothing?

L Huggins

If the button will not push in then the door is locked

You need to either unlock the door in the normal manner if it will, or remove the door panel to gain access to the locking linkage
Robert (Bob) Midget Turbo

Bob,

All sorted thanks!

Managed to strip down properly today and got to the bottom of it.

Can now close, and open (which is always useful).

Thanks for your help.

Cheers.
L Huggins

This thread was discussed between 12/05/2011 and 14/05/2011

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