I have a vauxhall combo and the side door is shut and stuck. How can I remove the panel to repair it whilst it is shut?

Jay L, February 2010

My side door locking mechanism was fixed by operating fob several times with the passenger door open as per earlier response.

Max, May 2022

My 09 van had same problem. I popped door card off with a strong flat head screwdriver starting from the top. You will see a thin rod I pulled it up and the door unlocked. Think it was getting trapped so unable to move. Opens from outside and inside now

Chris, July 2020

I have the same problem with my 03 Combo. The central locking sounds like it working when using it via the drivers door but both the side & back doors aren't opening? Any ideas?

Magic Mike, March 2015

I took Dr D advice. Cleaned contacts an now works fine. Good old Tinternet!

Geoff L, July 2014

I came across same problem with combo van 03 plate. Side sliding door would not open.

Tried what Dr D suggested...what can I say, not even a second, and it worked! Double BINGO!

Tnx Dr D.

Omar - Bham

Omar, April 2013

Had this problem yesterday. Side door refused to open. Problem was poor contact with door pillar and door contacts. Pulled door shut while unlocking with key fob. Bingo door unlocks. Cleaned contacts and now all fine.

Dr D, January 2013

Never too late to reopen a dead thread. I'm having the same problem, the constant open and unlock thing sometimes works. What do I replace? Locking solenoid?
The handle comes off the same as a window winder, pry a gap the poke around for a large sirclip/e-clip, shove it off with a screwdriver then handle pops off.

Daz87UK, January 2013

I'm havin same problem 09 plate,constantly back at dealers. Dealers had to break door handle off and glue new one on. Side door still sticking.What a nightmare.

Combo nightmare, January 2011

Open all the doors with the key fob, then go to the passenger side and open the front door and keep it open, now lock all doors with the fob but keep passenger door open. Now put your left hand into the back and reach out and put your hand on top of the side doors locking device, as in the button that goes up and down. now press the key fob twice to open all doors holding the button and lift it up as you feel the movement and keep it up. Now use your right and open the side door. Then you have 2 4mm spline screws on the bottom of the door to unscrew. Thats how far i have got but now i need to figure out how to get the interior handle off ! Any ideas anybody?

Fat mick, April 2010

I had same prob. contantly pulling handle whilst unlocking with fob sometimes frees it.

rob, March 2010