LR Focus 5dr - Passenger door locked shut!

InkBlueZetecR · 15-01-2013, 09:40 AM

HELP - passenger side door locked shut and cannot open it.

Long time (Focus owner) user/visitor of the forum, first time I’ve had to ask a question

My manual Ink Blue Zetec R has been a treat ever since purchased brand new back in 2005, and now he seems to be suffering.

My 2004 LR Focus 5 Door (which I purchased new) has the passenger side door locked shut. It cannot be open. Strange happenings with the arming of the alarm prior to this occurring (car not actually locking the passenger side door when pressing the fob, nor was it arming (the alarm)). Didn’t realise this was happening until checked the passenger door one day by opening it. Car was apparently armed, but the door was unlocked and alarm didn’t go off when the door was opened.

Then, a few days after.... the door locked when using the fob. And no matter what I do, have not been able to get it open since. I even have had times when while I was driving, the hazard lights came on randomly and flashed 2-3 times. That random flashing hasn’t happened since the passenger door has become locked. I’m not sure if it’s an alarm problem / actuator problem / or combination or something else like the ECU/Computer. Or a horrible electrical problem.

The remote fob won’t work, (it opens the other doors) nor will pushing the lock’s manually from (the drivers seat) within the car (only opens/locks the other doors) . It feels like an actuator problem, but can’t get into the door skin to check this out, which is the biggest problem I have.

I am at a loss on how to get the door opened so I can remove the skin at least (in preparation to take to elec specialist, or Ford

). Seeking help from the Ford Forum. I have searched the forums and found similar issues, but not one with the door closed shut. Trying to avoid taking it back to Ford (to get door open) and seeking any possible solutions / advice / suggestions from you.

Has anyone attempted to gain access to a focus down through the space (between outside/inside the door) where the window is, using the kind of plastic rope / tape that is used to get into cars the old “traditional” way?

Yellow_Festiva · 15-01-2013, 10:33 AM

Does your passenger door have a key hole? Tried just putting the key in and turning to unlock the old fashioned way?

My wifes Mirage has a similar problem. We can only open the passenger door with the key, and only while turning to unlock and pulling the handle at the same time.

InkBlueZetecR · 15-01-2013, 10:34 AM

No, it doesn't have a key hole on the front passenger door.

marg99 · 15-01-2013, 11:31 AM

My money is on a bit of plastic in the door actuator mechanism has broken for which unfortunately you need to remove the doors trim panel. You may need to remove the seat to get at it although possibly not if its pushed way back

InkBlueZetecR · 15-01-2013, 11:51 AM

Yes, I'm thinking too it's an actuator problem. But the trim can't be removed as all of the screws to remove the trim can only be accessed when the door is open. This is one of my problems. need to get the door trim off, or unlock the doors somehow by some other method

Yellow_Festiva · 15-01-2013, 12:28 PM

Do you have roadside service? Do you get your car serviced at Ford? My dealership offers it 'free' when you do your servicing there, don't know if that is an industry norm?

A panel beater may be able to get the door open for you.

InkBlueZetecR · 15-01-2013, 12:45 PM

Have had the NRMA here, they couldn't get the door opened. Have also contacted Ford, but all they said is they would have to spend the time investigating how to get the door opened, before they then tackled what's actually wrong. They warned that could be timely (therefore costly) @$130 p/h. Not sure what a panel beater could do, they have ways and means, and it could possibly be a solution. Will see what else others have to say before any decision is made. Thank You!

yuruga · 16-01-2013, 04:07 AM

My Cortina ...... Few years ago did the same thing.

Removed the Skin from the Drivers door and simply

worked out how to open it as it should be similar to the passenger door. Should see any weak points that it could be.

Made a tool - practised on the working door to minimise damage. Was a slight advantage of being able to access the inside of the car. In my case the lifting lock mechanism arm came off leaving the door locked all the time.

Good Luck