1980 242 Sedan. The drivers door won't open from the inside but will open from the outside. This just started happening. I will take off the door panel and lubricate everything I can get access to. Just wanted to know if anyone knows exactly what I should look for. Thanks.

same thing happened to me about a year ago. in my case the metal wire piece (looks a lot like coat hanger wire) had come off the lock mechanism. hooked it back in there and bent it around abit so it wouldnt happen again. while i was in there i took the time to grease up the locks and winders, and replaced some springs.

Yep. All my 240s have done that at one time or another. The lubrication in the latch mechanism dries out and the latch becomes stiff, binds, and the connecting rod to the inside lever bends.

I solved it in my 240s by thoroughly lubing the mechanism (inside the door) with white grease and then spraying motor oil over it. I blasted it with compressed air to distribute the oily grease into the mechanism innards. The oil works into the latch and should be good for at least 5 years. Meanwhile, the excess oil drips 'n drips 'n drips 'n drips..... preventing your rockers from rusting....

While you have the door panel off, you can also remove, clean, lube, and reinstall the latch itself, mounted on the outer edge of the door. This part also dries out and clogs with hardened grease. While it doesn't make the latch bind, it CAN prevent the door from properly latching in the cold.

I had the same issues, dut man handled the dorr until the rod was bent, I lubed the door and put two loops of .32 saftey wire around this to hold it to the door.

Works real nice.

In addition to the above, next time you're at the boneyard, buy an extra connecting rod. Cut off the ends and fit the rest against the one in your door- A little JB Weld/Superglue/duct tape and your connecting rod is now much less likely to bend.

Good Luck