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MG Midget and Sprite Technical - Locked out!

Morning all,

First time poster I'm afraid.

I've just replaced the drop glass and seals on the driver's door. To make things easier, I removed the lock mechanism but stupidly I didn't test it before closing the door. Technically, I'm locked out.

Does anyone know a way of fixing this. I've removed the cover plate from the inside of the door, the key turns but nothing else seems to be moving....

Many thanks in anticipation

Paul
Paul Mutton

Hi Paul.

The lock has a tag that fits inside a square hole on the door latch mechanism.

When you bung them together you need to ensure they get connected together before you screw the lock in place.

Been a while since I had it to do, but I'm sure you will be able to get it together properly.

Oh yes, welcome. We're all pretty friendly here.
bill l

Thanks Bill,

I'm pretty sure I got them all the right place. Trouble is the door is now locked shut.

Paul
Paul Mutton

Are you going to replace the seals on the passenger door? If so remove the door card from that door, have a look at how the lock mechanism is arranged and compare it to how you've reassembled the driver's door. You may see something obviously different straightaway.
Good luck.
Jeremy Tickle

Thanks Jeremy,

Already thought of that but the trouble is the door is locked shut. This means I can't remove the door card with damaging it and one of the screws that holds the lock in place is on the rear edge of the door.
Paul Mutton

Paul
do you know that the latch onthe edge of the door is all that makes it lockeed or open?

If you can get the latch off you can move the little lever that holds the door locked

The lock itself operates the small tab that sets the latch free or locked

If you cannot get at the latch because the door is locked 9YES I KNOW) can you wind down the window and try to operate the tab with a length of wire coathanger

Moving that will release the door lock to "open"
bill l

Just remove the door opening lever and the triangular plate behind it, and you should be able to open the door with a bit of poking around at the latch you can see when the plate is removed. I had exactly the same problem, and managed to open the door this way.
dominic clancy

That is a good idea Dominic

There isnt much space but it can be done that way
bill l

as Dominic suggests; didn't appreciate you had replaced the door card before testing everything... however you should be able to get at those tiny screws holding the cover even with the door closed/locked and then you will be able to get a screwdriver in to move the lever to unlock the door.
Jeremy Tickle

Dominic wins the cigar!

Not sure what I did but after 1/2 an hour of poking, prodding and pulling, something clicked and bingo! she's open. Can't think of a better way to spend a damp bank holiday afternoon.

Thank you all very much for taking the time to respond. Your suggestions are very much appreciated.

Paul
Paul Mutton

This thread was discussed on 25/08/2014

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