Stuttgart996

So I go to my car today and open up the passenger side door, took some effort but finally got it open. Now it wont close, the handle is loose in it's place on the outside and it seems the lever on the inside of the door is turned down. Weather is not supposed to get any warmer within the next 3 days and now im stuck with my door hanging open.
Any help or comments would be appreciated. I thought of pouring some hot water on the metal flip piece but this would just eventually cause more water to freeze in there.

I just need to get it to lock so I can drive home and put it in the garage in 2 days.

here are some pictures:

cabrio993

Is it frozen? You may want to try with a good hair dryer to apply some heat around the lever.

Stuttgart996

Bump

cabrio993

So? Did you try applying some dry heat to it?

carbogecko

i have the same issue with my passenger side door the handle lever is stuck in the depressed position just stick something between the inner handle and the black leverand move the black piece back into correct position the cold will not help you while you do it

Stewart

Hot water bottle (do you have these in the US? Small pillow shaped rubber bottle to keep feet warm in bed) leant up against the door should do it. It means you don't add any more water to the problem area.

Mark in Baltimore

Bump for what? You had received a valid response. It might be a good idea to try cabrio's suggestion or at least provide some feedback regarding the effectiveness of the approach.

Stuttgart996

Settle down Mark. God you people are so jumpy. carbogecko's technique worked if anyone else has this problem. Thanks again guys for the quick responses.

bart1

You should also lube that trigger. Doesn't have to be cold for it to stick. Seach the beard for door trigger sticking.

cabrio993

Amen to that. Thanks brother!

You're welcome...I think...

2Many Cars

If/when you lube the lock and mechanism use graphite lube. It helps displace the water and won't attract dirt or stiffen up in the cold like other lubricants. You can usually find the graphite stuff at a good locksmith store. By the way you should never use WD-40 or the like in the tumblers.

Rinty

I have a spray can of general purpose silicon lube that I shoot into the lock cylinders and door moving parts on a regular basis. It works really well for cold weather operation. I open the key way with a pick, stick the wand in, and give it a very short burst.

Tailgate locks need the most attention: I think the turbulence behind our vehicles may draw in road spray.

Mark in Baltimore

When I ask a question, even if it's not a desperate cry for help as was your post, and receive an answer, I make an effort to thank the respondent. I see that your approach is to ignore the 'lister and bump your thread. Noted.