04 Chieftain drivers door won't open

[NuthinFancy]

The electric locks "appear/sound like" they work, key lock "seems" to work, but when I try to open the door it feels like there is a bar or "something" going through the hinge side that prevents the door from opening more than an inch.

With all the electronics on the panel, I'm reluctant to pull it without having an idea as to what to do once I pull it.

[Daysu47]

Don't know if this is your problem but when the electric locks (all) went KaPut, I took the panel off the door, rather easy, just screws, and disconnected the throw rod from the motor to the latch.
Maybe what has happened to your's is the rod broke or something got mis aligned. You won't hurt anything by pulling the door panel. Check it out, who knows what you may find.

Good luck,

[NuthinFancy]

Unfortunately there are a couple of screws on the bottom of the panel that are behind the step. All the rods at the lock side seem to be ok and I don't hear anything dragging- like a disconnected rod. Without being able to get the panel completely off, I can't see past the aluminum mounting plates to see anything low on the hinge side

[Duner]

Quote:

Originally Posted by NuthinFancy The electric locks "appear/sound like" they work, key lock "seems" to work, but when I try to open the door it feels like there is a bar or "something" going through the hinge side that prevents the door from opening more than an inch. With all the electronics on the panel, I'm reluctant to pull it without having an idea as to what to do once I pull it.

I've had the door panel off my 04 Chieftain. There is really nothing complicated about it and is straightforward to put back on. Are you sure it's not just the door frame rubbing on the top or bottom that is creating the resistance to opening? I know my door rubs and take some force to open sometimes depending on how much twist there is on the main frame when the 4 wheels are not perfectly flat ground.

Good luck,
Bill

[NuthinFancy]

Actually the door is sitting pretty square in the opening right now. I know what you mean about the rubbing but this doesn't feel like that
Anyone know if there is any rod or something going through the hinge side? The wire loom is on the outside. I can't imagine they made a vault type door but would like to know for sure before I force it open.
If this were my Jeep, I'd just take a bf hammer to it.