Help please.

[Stuart Lampard]

When I try to shut the back door on my 3rd Gen surf the lock catch on the bottom of the door does not come across the metal hook by the bumper, so the door just bounces back up. When I push the catch on the bottom of the back door across with a screwdriver it just springs back, instead of staying in the locked position.
Also the handle to open the rear door has gone loose, with no resistance.

[Growler]

Sounds like something has gotten disconnected on the mechanism inside the door, or bust

[Stuart Lampard]

I tried to take the plastic panel off, but found lots of bolts inside.
So I have had to tie the door shut for now.
Maybe a spring inside the lock has gone?
or I need a new mechanism?

Thanks for any help, Stuart.

[Growler]

sounds like either spring or one of the connecting rods has popped out when the door was shut

[BUSHWHACKER]

As Growler said, the rod from the handle to the latch has come adrift by the sound of it.
Remove the door panel and then remove the bolts from around the edge of the steel panel to get at the mechanism. It should be obvious what the problem is once you can see inside the door.

[Stuart Lampard]

Thanks, I will try to get the plastic panel off to look inside.
I saw lots of bolts when I pulled the plastic plugs apart,
so I will have a look in the daylight.

[Stuart Lampard]

Thanks Bushwhacker, I will have a look in the daytime.
I just had to tie the door shut using the inside strap for now.

All the best, Stuart.

[markp2]

We have had this problem on one of our Gen 3s.
Try this before taking anything apart.
Push the release handle on the tailgate forwards so it is in it's normal position. Shut tailgate as far as possible. Lock and unlock a few times with the central locking on the drivers door.
This seems to re-engaage the latch mechanism (or at least it works on our car!)
Mark