Disco 3 2007 RH front door stays locked.

[Bavarianbrit]

A local hunter has one and asked me for help. The local main LR dealer told him the door card absolutly cannot be removed when the door is stuck locked, "bowlocks" said I, take out the front seat and there will be room enough to take it off. So I went over to him today and we spent 5 hours on it, took off the door card & removed the seat but could not get to the lock area without taking off the window winder mech (it was ****ing down all day) so he angle ground a square hole at the door lock area (it is a 2007 model so why not? It will not affect the structure to any great extent, I was a body engineer for 50 years) blow me down, we had then destroyed the plastic central locking unit as he will need a new one anyway and all that is left is the lock plate inside the door but it will still not release the lock off from the chrome hoop. I have never seen this issue in 50 years so has anyone had this happen to them and a fix?

 

[Donkey Basher]

It’s a common failure on LR D3, D4, Freelander 2 & various jags that all share the same lock mechanism. Generally needs the window glass removing, the winder mechanism removed & then the lock replaced before reassembly. Plenty of ‘how to’ videos on YouTube. It’s Sod’s Law they fail in the locked position not the unlocked position.

 

[Jimbob39]

I find if you repeatedly press the unlock button you can normally get them to open. Very very common failure.

 

[Rafter]

I'd take it as a sign God didn't want your friend driving a Land Rover and buy a Toyota ASAP.

 

[Bavarianbrit]

He had a Defender before this one and he praises it highly for offroad use in his revier. Sadly the lock assy is now destroyed so not sure what to do next.

 

[VSS]

Fairly normal.
Eventually it gets to the stage that you have to climb in through the boot to access the vehicle, because the rest of the doors can only be opened from the inside.

 

[Bavarianbrit]

The lock plate inside the door is holding the door closed and so we cannot get this bit to release its grip or move to the opening position that is the issue. Another nail in LRs reputation for me, I will never own another. Even though I spent a few months in Solihull working on the Disco instrument panel launch back in 2005.

 

[Loki]

Hi

I would suggest a peruse on LR Disco Forums, many knowledgeable and experienced people (based on peruse of VW stable advice/guidance and to keep informed of upcoming motor-maladies), and may have a 'hack' for this situation.

L

 

[Jimbob39]

If it’s at the point of no return, then the only answer will be cut a panel out of the door skin and fit a new door. Sounds excessive but may well be the only way. Door can be had very cheaply and I know a couple of trusted breakers.

 

[Bavarianbrit]

I think that too. German Ebay has one showing for 205€ or offers.

 

[ruger77]

I fit lots of door locks normally if you keep pressing the lock then unlock buttons on the centre console while pulling the door handle you should eventually gain access this method will only work once

 

[Bavarianbrit]

I fit lots of door locks normally if you keep pressing the lock then unlock buttons on the centre console while pulling the door handle you should eventually gain access this method will only work once

All is now destroyed so using an angle grinder seems the only option.