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How do you open rear door with broken handle?

Opening a rear car door with a broken handle depends heavily on the make, model, and year of your vehicle, as well as the exact nature of the handle breakage. There's no single universal solution. However, here are some approaches, ranging from easiest to most difficult:

1. Check for Secondary Releases:

* Interior handle: The most obvious solution. If the *interior* rear door handle is working, someone can open the door from inside the car.

* Child safety lock: Make sure the child safety lock isn't engaged. This prevents opening from the inside.

* Trunk/Boot release: Some vehicles have a secondary release mechanism inside the trunk/boot that can be used to open the rear door (often accessible only from inside the trunk). Consult your owner's manual.

2. Access from the Inside:

* If you can access the car through another door, reach through to the broken handle area to see if you can manipulate any mechanisms. This might involve some probing and pushing.

3. External Access:

* Panel Removal: This is significantly more difficult and may cause damage. You might need specialized tools to remove the interior door panel to access the locking mechanism directly. This requires patience, and familiarity with car interiors (or a professional). Youtube videos for your specific car model are your best bet here. Search for "[Your Car Make and Model] rear door panel removal."

* Slim Jim/Coat Hanger: A slim jim or a carefully shaped coat hanger *might* be able to reach the locking mechanism and unlock the door. This is risky and can cause further damage if done incorrectly. Again, watch videos specific to your car model. It's unlikely to work on all cars.

4. Professional Help:

* Locksmith: A professional locksmith specializing in automobiles is your best bet if you're uncomfortable attempting the above methods. They have the tools and expertise to open the door without causing further damage.

* Tow Truck/Roadside Assistance: Your roadside assistance provider might be able to help, either by unlocking the door themselves or towing your car to a repair shop.

Before attempting any method:

* Consult your owner's manual: This is your first resource. It may contain information about secondary release mechanisms or provide diagrams to help with panel removal.

* Take photos: Document the extent of the damage before attempting any repairs to help with insurance claims if necessary.

Remember, safety first. If you're not comfortable working on your car, call a professional. Improper attempts can cause significant damage and increase repair costs.

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