Rear door STUCK OPEN - will not close at all.
 

Well I opened the rear passenger side door and it will not shut at all. Something in the catch strap assembly went wrong and the door stays fully opened.

If I push on it, it feels like I am going to damage the door if I force it closed.


I know the problem in the the catch strap but any idead or insight on fixing this?


Also what are some tips on removing the door panel? This is a very clean 123 and I dont want to damage it.

Do not force the door closed. You can damage it.

Your check strap failed at the worst time. The check strap has to be replaced, or you can use the door w/no check strp, but a good wind can open the door too far and cause damage as well.

Use wide bladed putty knife to pop the door panel retainers.

When mine went out (they always fail open :rolleyes: ) I cut the end of the strap off until I could order a new one. I also disconnected the vacuum lock system for those few days to leave that door permanent locked so avoid a potential over-swing.

Once you get the door panel off. the check strap is inside the door with 3
little bolts holding it on.

first remove the pin where the strap is attached to the door post. there is
also a "C" clip holding it on the bottom.

when these things have acted up, I have tried to grease them to no avail.
they still wouldn`t work. just replace them, will eliminate a lot of frustration.

Charlie