I parked facing slightly downhill just now, on maybe a 2 percent grade, and let gravity swing the driver's door out to its fully open position. Mind you, the door did not swing open very hard. There was just enough of a grade to help it get all the way there.

Just as the door reached its fully open position, it emitted a loud "POP" sound, as though someone had blown up a paper bag and popped it. I sat there and stared at the door, looking for the source of the sound. Nothing. The door stop looked normal and so did the hinges. I got out and looked at the edge of the door, near the fender and quarter panel. No contact; no damage. I closed the door and tried it again. Nothing.

My working theory is that one of the bolts that hold on the door stop or a hinge is a bit loose, and allowed the metal to move around slightly. Maybe. I don't know. Any ideas? Has this happened to anyone else?

 

I wouldn't worry about it. you basically over-extended the joint and caused it to "pop" (move)..

Congrats, your door now opens a TINY bit wider than the other door.

measure it to find out that's the case, if not, then the hinge didn't give any..

either way if nothing appears wrong, I wouldn't worry about it..

btw, I am familiar with this because this has happened on my Civic. (marked down hill, and similarly, I let the door swing open and it "popped" as you described.

 

This happened to me the other day on my Protege5. It was a very loud pop and I thought I broke something but everything looks and works the same so I'm not worrying about it. I'll let you know if my door falls off!

 

Thanks, dewds! I feel better now! :D

 

Mine did that when I first pick it up, and I was still at the dealer. It was the little arm in the middle of the door that bolts about halfway down to the chassis. The bolt on both doors to the chassis was loose causing it to pop in and out as the door was opened and closed, but not every time. The dealer tightened those down before I left, but I inspected and tightened down a few other when I got home. Popping went away after tightening.

 

Chuck is right. I've seen it before.