Have a 1996 E150 Ford van with a handicap ramp. Tried to open the side doors but rear side door (facing van, left door) would not open. Cable has broken. How can I get the door open? The fold up ramp blocks access from the inside, so can't work from the inside. Any ideas?

 

If you really do not have sufficient room to access the door interior panel to release the door latches, another approach may involve removing the exterior door hinge pins for that door and removing it that way. It's quite a job to get some of those pins out, but if there is no other way to access the interior you may have to resort to removing the pins.

 

I have had the same problem on my commercial vehicles. Have you tried using some kind of rod and hook to trip it going passed the ramp ??


If you cant, and if you have those black pull handles, then the best way is to drill out those rivet pins and pull the door handle out. Sometimes you can pull the cable and unlatch it. Replace the rivets with screws and nuts the proper size.


It usually the plastic cable holders that go bad, not the cable. Here is a place that has metal ones. Be aware you need to be a mechanic to replace those, it takes a bit do get them in. Also buy a few more if your going to keep the vehicle, this will not be the last one to break. Also when you remove the lock assembly to install, there will be more then one, replace all, it will save you grief in the future.


Ford Door Handle Cable Repair Kit for E Series Right Cargo Door Side or Rear | eBay


Good luck


Roy