I forgot.  The slider's seals occasionally get a bit sticky.  Pull the handle as if to open the door, and put your shoulder into the door, pushing it out.  If this works, generously put talcum powder on the entire seal. Good luck!

Karl Wolz
Sent from my electronic umbilicus

On May 31, 2013, at 9:19 PM, Stuart MacMillan <stuartmacm@GMAIL.COM> wrote:

> Hmm.  That lock is pretty beefy, I wonder if it isn't the rod to the rear
> latch that's broken or disconnected.  First try opening from the inside
> while putting your shoulder into the door.  If you can move the front edge
> out a little then it's unlatched, and you'll have to remove the door panel
> and check that rod to the rear.
> 
> Stuart
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
> David Moyal
> Sent: Friday, May 31, 2013 7:48 PM
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: Arrrgh! Sliding door won't open!!!
> 
> After a successful AAZ turbodiesel conversion & tons of problemsolving, I
> have to admit I'm baffled by my '83 Westy's sliding door. I went to unlock
> it last week, something sent "snap" and the door wouldn't open. The inside
> lock button functions ok, the outside handle rotates, but nothing I do
> actuates the latch. I have the panel and the lock cover off, and I'm pretty
> sure the problem lies in the front lock/latch mechanism, but unless I can
> get the door open I can't pull the mechanism out. I even had the local
> (small town) locksmith out to take a look -he just scratched his head and
> said "duuuuh." No door, no camping- and the weather finally turned nice!
> This is my second post with this problem - please, if someone understands
> these locks, tell me what to do next! Thanks a billion, David.