Driver's side door will not open

[Tantram]

My car was parked by a valet today, since our lot at work was full.

When I came back, the valet handed my keys and sent me on my way. I got to my car, unlocked the doors with the fob, and tried to open my driver's side door. The opening mechanism did nothing. I also didn't feel the tension on the mechanism I usually feel.

The passenger's side works fine, and I can open the door from the inside.

I have filed a damage report.

Any ideas what could be wrong? Fix? Cost?

(2006 Lotus Elise)

[rsamani]

Does the power door lock switch at the center console by th shifter works? Check fuses for the door lock


Sent from my iPhone using AutoGuide.com Free App

[Tantram]

The locks are all fine. I can lock/unlock everything from the switches and my fob. I just can't open the door, even though it is unlocked.

[mspenard]

Originally Posted by Tantram

The locks are all fine. I can lock/unlock everything from the switches and my fob. I just can't open the door, even though it is unlocked.

Use a smartphone camera to take a picture of the latch mechanism if you could. Also, I've had something similar happen before. After messing with the fob a dozen times and swearing at it it just started to work again

[curtis]

Not to sound dumb but maybe someone locked it with the key and used the fob to lock the mechanisim. So maybe try unlocking it with the key as well.

[glb]

I may have missed something, but did the valet perhaps lock your door by turning the key in the lock?

Have you tried doing that? (opposite)


BTW, no valet has ever parked one of my fun cars, only DDs.

[ithurtus]

Your description fits them turning the key exactly. LITERALLY every time I valet my car they turn the key in the door. I warn them, then I get them running back saying they can't open the door. In their defense, its beyond reason that anyone would want a feature like this in our doors.

[luxige]

A good reminder why it's recommended to be very familiar with the owner's manual, more so for this car than most others. Also pay close attention to the guidelines for jacking or lifting points.

To expand on what others are saying here, the car has two independent, unrelated locking systems: the electric locks you are familiar with (operated by the fob remote or console rocker switch), and the mechanical key-operated lock on each door. Both systems must be unlocked to allow the door to be unlatched.

No person is known to have admitted to thinking this up.

[MIDLIFECRISES]

Originally Posted by Tantram

The locks are all fine. I can lock/unlock everything from the switches and my fob. I just can't open the door, even though it is unlocked.

Well this may sound redundent, maybe, maybe not - but - with my window down I leaned on the button just a little without noticing that it depressed the button enough that I could not open the door while seated inside. All at a restaurant after dinner in the parking lot with my date. Embaressed somewhat, she could get out pass. side, tried the key, the fob, inside handle, outside latch. Button didn't appear down but tried to pull up on it but seemed to be up. Not untill I took a pair of pliers and really pulled up hard did I see it was slightly depressed and door opened and all was well. But not until I looked like a fool climbing over the gear shift & getting out pass. side to get plyers out of trunk, just a thought. [ 05 elise ]

[Surge]

Also, why are you valet parking this car?!