RT/10 Driver's Door won't close

[BigPZ]

Hey Everyone, I'm not new to the forums tho I am new to Viperalley - so don't flame me too much for being a noob.

On Monday I took possession of my dream car: 2001 RT/10


I'm thrilled with the car as it is in excellent condition. The only problem I have is closing the driver's door. I'm not sure if I need to WD 40 the latch or if it is an electrical problem. The door opens without issue, but when closing it 9 times out of 10 it just bounces back - Unless I hold it almost closed until I hear a buzzing sound - when I do this, on the next attempt it closes.

I've searched high and low, but didn't really find much other than gen 1 drivers discussing aftermarket door popper issues on their cars.

I live in Canada, so I'm pretty sure the cold weather (-4 f yesterday) is a factor. I wont be driving the car until the spring, so I wont be able to drive to get it checked out for a while. I'm looking to hear what the experts on here think - maybe this is something I can tackle as I wait for the spring?

Thanks in advance!!

[beer_man]

There are a variety of things to try that don't require much effort. Even if not related to your issue, they are good maintenance items. On the door button take an air hose and blow out around the button. Squirt a little WD40 in there. You can also do the same on the latch mechanism in the jamb. Gen 2 Vipers are also famous for wiring issues between the chassis and the door, right above the hinge in the rubber loom. It almost sounds like that as when the wire is stretched it is broken and when the door is closed the wire touches itself if it is indeed broken. Lastly is the fit of the door itself as sometimes the hinges will sag or the weatherstripping will drag or whatever. Does your door feel like it drags at all in the last little bit of closing? It does not take much.

[BigPZ]

Thanks Beer Man! A friend of mine has a 99 GTS and he also suggested I see whether the door sags so I did. I investigated yesterday, and the door has virtually no play at all, in fact it lines up as perfectly as possible in my opinion. I will WD40 everything tonight and see what happens...

[jslimm]

Cleaning up the latch mechanism and lubricating it fixed mine when it had symptoms like you're describing. GLWT

[jasontiff]

The buzzing sound makes me believe that you're having an electrical problem with the door, and the solenoid isn't letting the latches catch the strike plate when you close it. Are you closing it with your finger on the button?

I'd try this. Open the door and the hood and disconnect the battery. Then see if the door closes on the first try. If it does, then it sounds like there is a short in the wiring somewhere.

[jasontiff]

And make sure your keys aren't in the motherfucker when you close the door

[BigPZ]

While I am a Viper noob, I definitely dont hold the button when closing the door HAHA!! Upon further investigation I noticed that the latch is all gummed up, likely from sticky old WD-40 or something. When I flick the latch inwards just a touch, it makes that sound I mentioned earlier and seems to "reset"? At this point the door closes without issue. I tried it 5 times in succession and had the same result. I havent had a chance to really clean up and relube the latch, but I get the feeling it just gets stuck and cant complete the process fully once the door is opened. Cheap and easy fix fingers crossed. What do you guys recommend for lube? White Lithium grease?

And no I wont lock the MF keys inside

[jasontiff]

Originally Posted by BigPZ

And no I wont lock the motherfuckin' keys inside

Fixed it for you.

[Dirtysocks]

I have some rims for sale and maybe some headers. In Toronto also.

[BigPZ]

Thanks Mr. Powers!! But any idea on lube??? AND DINT SAY KY JELLY!!!

[jslimm]

Originally Posted by BigPZ

Thanks Mr. Powers!! But any idea on lube??? AND DINT SAY KY JELLY!!!

White Lithium grease is pretty standard for door latches, I think.

[Netko]

Grape Jelly works too! I'd spray some contact cleaner in the mechanism to clear all the old junk. Start clean with some lube.


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[BigPZ]

Originally Posted by Dirtysocks

I have some rims for sale and maybe some headers. In Toronto also.

Dirtysocks, I've had the car for only 6 days, and not really looking to mod just yet...as you know the weather has not been very favorable for Vipers...havent been able to really enjoy it save for sipping a stiff drink and staring at it in the garage. But PM me with what you've got if you like...I've been known to shower my toys with gifts!

Thanks everyone else for all your tips! Pics will be posted as soon as I'm allowed to do so by Big Brother.

[BigPZ]

OK I've owned this car for about 2 weeks now and I'm starting to get pissed off!! Tonight a few buddies come over to check the car out, and the goddamn driver's door won't open!! I'm lucky I backed it into the garage with about a foot and a half to the wall on the passanger side, and I managed to wriggle inside and use the emergency latch to open the driver's door. This is AFTER trying the keyholes on the back glass that REFUSED to budge...WTF?? Solenoid issue in the driver's door?? What about the rear glass?? Could the locks be stuck from lack of use?? I literally bent the little key trying!?!? Not the way I expected my dream car with 27,000 miles to treat me so soon after purchase...Any ideas guys??

Oh, cleaning out the guck in the latch and lubing with white lithium grease did nothing...

[Netko]

Battery charged?


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[BigPZ]

Yes...I have a trickle charger hooked up, and I entered through the passanger door...