"Stuck on close"? I'll take a shot at this- Most commonly it's the hoist way side interlock assy locking dogs or keepers that aren't disengaged completely by the car cam dropping out, thus they are still locked if but a little. Look at the mechanical aspects of the interlock, noting how the car cam pushes out on the hoist way side long arm (which is adjustable) with the roller and you'll see what the "jaws" or keepers are doing or not doing. This is true with manual or automatic freight doors. The jaw on the hoist way door is adjustable somewhat, but engagement has to be positive when the doors are closed so some knumbskull cannot force the doors open. Not sure about NYC, but out on the left coast I believe 3/4" is max the doors can be separated when locked. Note; You state, "I was doing some maintenance on OUR freight elevator..." QUESTION- are you employed as an elevator mechanic? or do you work as a maintenance man in an industrial building with a freight elevator? If you're not an elevator mechanic, you're asking for trouble.