My front passenger side door will not open. Was having issues with the lock not latching all the way then other issues of the door being difficult to open at times. Unfortunately I just ignored those issue for too long and now nothing I do will get the door open.

I think its an issue with the actuator or locking mechanism but am unable to remove the door panel while the door is stuck closed. I can however bend the top of the door panel away and am able to see the rods inside the door. They all move so I think they are still attached correctly. I am able to get my hand down there and pull the rods by hand but that doesn't work. When I wiggle the door really hard I hear a clanking like it is still locked or stuck on something even tho its unlocked.

I'm pretty sure I can fix this and replace the actuator/locking mechanism if I can just get the door open and door panel off. Is there anything else inside the door that I can pull or push with the limited space that will get the door open? TIA!

 

Can the window rolled down. If so, maybe you can use a hanger and somehow unlock. Sometimes you have to improvise, and if that doesnt work, find a person parting out their car and buy an extra panel, then tear the one you have to get your door to open.

 

I had a similar issue with my driver side door. I let it sit overnight with the battery disconnected and I was able to open my door without a problem.

 

Yeah I can get the window all the way down and pull the top of the door panel away to see down inside where the rods and stuff are. I've tried a coat hanger and slim jim trying to tug on the linkage rods to no avail. I don't think its gonna fix itself as this happened a few weeks ago.

 

there are 2 rods, one for the lock the other to pull open. one is on top of the other. You tried using the key to unlock it manually.

 

Yeah i tried unlocking it with the key as well and it unlocks and I can see the rods moving like they should but still when I pull the door handle (inside or outside) the door will not open. I tried pulling both those rods your referring to as well.

 

Can't promise it will help you, but there were a few good pointers in this post.

GL

 

Yes that did help. Was able to get it open by prying the door panel open enough to get my arm down in there and i moved something that popped the door open. Scraped up my arm in the process but its open now! All the rods were connected still so you think its an issue with the actual actuator? Also is the locking mechanism part of the actuator and they would come together if I purchased a new one?

 

Ok I ended up taking all the rods, actuator/locking mechanism out and did not notice any broken pieces or anything. All the parts on the loching mechanism and actuator seemed to click just fine. Put everything back together and my door seems to be working normally again! Thx for the help!

 

I'm glad you got it working without too much trouble! It's good to hear a success story. For good measure, lube the locking mechanism with gobs of white lithium grease and then lock and unlock the mechanism with the door open using a big screwdriver or something. Wipe off the residual gunk after working it in there really well.