New to the group. starting on a 944 project with my son. This weekend the driver side door latch hung up and when I closed the door it bounced back. So I cycled the tumbler and shut the door again and it closed but it won't open back up. From inside the car I tore the door panel out and messed with latch, leavers, lock, cable, etc.... I am convinced that the failed part is the "door latch" mechanism that can only be removed when the door is open (2 large bolts). Since I can not open the door I am stuck. How do I get that latch to release so that I can fix it? It is a 1983 944 it is mechanical system, no power door locks on this one. any help would be appreciated.

 

perhaps you did it already but...pulling the interior handle works the latch differently than the exterior handle.