My car door won't shut on my 98 Chevrolet Cavalier. What could be wrong?

Answer 1

door latch is jammed get a screwdriver look at the latch pull the handle insert the screwdriver where the strike lever closes and slide it open then try the door, should work

Answer 2

98 Chevrolet Cavalier

Answer 3

You don't say if the door has been damaged or not, or if it will close but not catch on the latch.
If it's not damaged from an accident and the body is still accident-free, and the door closes without catching, check the door opening gap around the door perimeter. If it's an even gap, your door isn't sprung.
The door latch may need replacing.
If the door closes and the gap is not even, there will be a place or two where the paint inside the door opening has been scraped off by the misplaced door.
No matter what's wrong, it should be visually apparent one way or another.

Answer 4

if the handle on the door isn't stuck then its one of two things - linkage fell off the handle mechanism - or - spring that lets the door latch catch right at the bar mounted on the door frame/body is broken or disconnected. Hold up the handle, close door, release handle. seemed to close ( as in door fit all the way into where it ought to line up with the rest of the body) door still opens? or door didnt quite make it all the way in, sort of clunked before it got the last 1/4 inch into place. look at the latch on the door, something should be moving when you pull the handle up. Dont be shy, push up and down on the latch visible in the opening on the edge of the door. If it moves, good. If you can move it up and down more than once while still holding the handle up the whole time, youve got a linkage problem, remove the interior door trim panel and you can see what's going on. Could be due to wear or some little s.o.b. trying to 'jack your car, used a slim-jim and pulled the wire out of its lever. In the case of the door sort of 'bouncing' before it gets into where it ought to be with the body line -when you try to close it - see other post where you're advised to push up and down again on the latch (greasy plastic p.o.s. in the door edge) and see if it releases. An unnamed 'clunk' within the door and signs of life - as in it latches when you slam it shut, are good things. "Bad Thing" - not opening the other door on your car, if you screw up , leave the key inside (and the door finally locks), or get really, really P.O'd and crank the key off in the driver's door lock (been there, done that) you'll thank me.
Take a spin out to a local auto wrecker, tell 'em your're looking for an interior trim panel for your car door. Might cost you $10 tops, you don't have a rare classic there (God, I LOVE Chevs and Pontiacs, so many parts, some can even be found on John Deere tractors!). Muck around by yourself if you can - local policy in Manitoba,Canada says if you can carry it you might get it for $50, unless you're holding a rad, alternator, and starter motor. You should be able to get the whole door for $50. and you only need a few bits of wire to fix your original, or your new door will serve as a learning tool and parts source for the latch. Doors are simple, check out the Chilton's manual sections for your car at your local public library.

Answer 5

I had a 92 Cougar that you had to flip the little hook up on the side of the door or it wouldn't close. It isn't a "bad American car" it just needs a Lil TLC. I've seen cavaliers go through hell & back & still run perfect!

Answer 6

You could always take your beautiful leg out of the way before closing the door next time.

Answer 7

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could be crankshaftsensor going bad scan car to see any codes come up.

Answer 8

Try removing the seat belt from the door jam.

Answer 9

It's a chevy. They're basically glue and plastic.

The thing was probably wrecked before, and the doors weren't set right.

Cavaliers are horrible. Just awful.

Answer 10

"What could be wrong?"

It's an American-made automobile.