So I have torn apart both of my doors trying to understand why I can't open the driver's side from the outside (really annoying BTW) and I can't figure this one out. I can see the cable moving that's attached to the outside latch, it is actuating the hinge, but the lock itself is not responding to the cable. When I operate the inside door latch the cable actuates the lock mechanism and everything works properly. What could possibly be the problem here???

 

So it opens from the inside and not the outside?

 

Correct. There are 2 separate actuating rods to the door lock. The inside one works, the outside one does not.

 

sounds like the problem I had with my 97--960 wagon, the outside handle has a plastic clip that when the handle is pulled opens the door....in my case this plastic piece that was connected to the outside handle was broke, I just took the back passenger side door apart and used the plastic piece from it...other wise you have to buy the whole handle from volvo, or hope you can find a handle from the junk yard...I am not saying this is your problem but it happened to me twice with my 97--960 wagon and since I was the only one who rode in my car I used both back pieces....I had no luck finding a 97 wagon in the local junk yards and was not going to pay the dealer big bucks for the whole handle! please post your findings and let me know if it is in fact the plastic piece connected to your outside handle! good luck!

 

Does it have to be from a Wagon? If you still need the pieces let me know. I can get them from my semi-local Volvo junk yard.

 

I couldn't tell you if it has to be from that specific wagon... it could be that different models from that particular year might work??? I would think that it would have to be from that particular model but I am not 100% positive....I think different models from that year the handles would be different but can not swear to it....all I know is it sounds like the little plastic piece which is on his handle has broke off, and buying a new handle just for that one piece from the dealer is very pricey.

 

Yea I'm watching a piece on ebay right now, but I'm gonna check out the lock mechanism itself tomorrow to make sure I have narrowed it down all the way.

 

use this link: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...d=220662477400

then click on the 3rd picture from the left....see that plastic piece, thats the piece that I believe broke on your handle, there is a pin that holds that piece in place that will pop out using a phillips head screw driver and swap out the plastic piece or if the handle is the same color as your current just replace the entire handle! as I stated that piece broke on me twice and well $28 from ebay is a hell of a lot cheaper than the dealer wanted to sell it to me for, they wanted if my memory serves me right over $100 for the handle as they don't just sell the plastic piece that I needed....I hope this helps you and that I am correct in my assessment of your issue, please post and let us know the outcome! good luck......

 

That's a great price and that seller has some really unique items that I want. Before I pull the trigger on this one, why can't I just pull the cable (that goes to the outside latch) in order to open the door? I'm gonna test it out and see if there is any way that cable will engage the lock, and if not I'm buying another lock.

 

You guys were right, I tested the cable going to the outside latch and it does open the door. I bought that handle and it's on the way!

 

I would like to think so since it happened not once but twice to me .....did you get the handle from the link I provided you??? if so is it the same color or will you have to exchange the plastic piece from the handle? I am glad your going to get it fixed it truley was a pain in the *** for me when it was the drivers door and having to either go through the passenger side and climb over console or open back door and then stretch to reach the inside front handle ... please let me know how you make out! it is very easy if you have to switch the plastic piece from one handle to the other. Good Luck

 

I always go thru the back seat and reach my arm up to the door. Yes I bought the one in the link and it's headed this way.

 

I8ASaleen have you received your new handle yet???? let me know how it goes with the swaping out, like I told you it is very easy but should you have any issues let me know!!!! good luck.

 

Not yet, I'm waiting on it, an AIR valve, and some center caps to come in.