Door stuck shut
Can you advise me on the types of grease I can use to lubricate brake guide pins? What are the alternatives to copper grease?
Also, we have a problem with a 2002 Renault Clio five-door with central locking. The rear door on the driver’s side is not opening from the inside or the outside. I have checked the inside connection rod and everything seems OK. Gino Although a light smear of copper grease will lubricate the brake guide pins without a problem, one other alternative is Cera-tec, which is available from Pagid. This is made specifically to lubricate brake components and contains no copper. The reason copper-free lubricants are now being used is that the metal content in the lubricant could interfere with the ABS sensors.
You mention that your Clio has central locking and I am assuming that the solenoid in the rear driver’s side door can be heard operating. If this is the case, I would try operating the release handle while pressing the unlock button; this may help free-off a jammed lock. I am also assuming that the child lock is not in the 'On' position; if it is, it could mean the problem is purely the outer handle mechanism. However, as you have checked the inside connection rod, it appears that the lock mechanism may have jammed. If you have taken off the inside door trim, you could try spraying penetrating oil into the lock to free it off.
Unfortunately, if this does not work, you will have to resort to breaking open the lock assembly. By squeezing a screwdriver into the seam of the lock assembly, then levering apart the unit, you should be able to break open the casing, freeing off the mechanism and allowing the door to open. This will cause damage to the lock and a replacement unit will be required.
After fitting the new lock, ensure the mechanism works correctly by using a screwdriver to trigger the latch mechanism before closing the door. Also check the condition of the wiring from the vehicle body to the door – a short in the loom here may cause the lock to stay in the deadlock position.