P38A How To - Front Door Internal Release Cable

So, on to the next issue to be addressed on the new P38....

The Passenger front door (UK Model) didn't open when using the internal door handle, so after investigating, it was found the release cable has snapped at the latch end.

So lets get to it....

First, follow my earlier How To on removing the door card.

Here you can see where the release cable attaches to the release handle


Lever up the locating pin, then pull the cable out of the handle assembly


The cable is clipped to the door skin using a plastic clip, withdraw the cable from the clip...


In order to get to the other end of the cable, it may be necessary to remove the latch assembly - well i had to as I have big hands and I struggled to get them in behind the door kin to reach where the cable had snapped.


Pop the red clip off the exterior lever actuating rod and then remove the rod from the plastic lever


The sill locking tab just unscrews from the rod


Using a T25 bit, undo the three mounting bolts and catch the latch assembly inside the door.


With a wiggle and a jiggle, withdraw the latch assembly from the door but be mindful of the wiring connections to avoid damaging them.


Here is the end of the cable that had snapped off


Using a pair of snips or grips, wiggle the end of the cable out.


Once out, replace the cable back into the plastic lever, wiggle and jiggle the latch assembly and sill locking rod back into the door frame, route the release cable back through the plastic clip, through into the door release assembly and place the locating pin back into the plastic clip in the handle...then replace the door card.

Boom, done!

Did you check the latch for wear (and perhaps remove the super lock motor) before re-fitting ?

pwood999 said:

Did you check the latch for wear (and perhaps remove the super lock motor) before re-fitting ?

Click to expand...

Only an external check really so no internal checking of gears or cams etc.....and I NEVER superlock a P38 - been there!! As well as never closing the doors when the key is in the car or ignition, they can have a habit of locking themselves when throwing a hissy or a door closed with 'enthusiasm' if the lock rod is maladjusted!