I did some searching on this topic but came up short so far. Anyway my friend has a 99 Maxima and the driver side door wont unlock when you use either the key fob or the key itself. The other three doors unlock and lock just fine and you can physically open them, but the drivers side does nothing. I tried opening it from the inside and it the lock wont budge. Anyone have an idea what this could be? Thanks in advance for any information.

 

The lock linkage/mechanism could be binded or broken. Likely you'll have to attempt to pop the door panel off and inspect it.

S

 

Why did you post this here as well?

http://forums.maxima.org/4th-generat...wont-open.html

 

Last week I came across same situation, my driver side door won’t open and all I could hear the door motor trying to unlock the lock mechanism, so I’ve to jump from passenger side to get in and after driving to work for 20 minutes with heater on did unlock the door.

Do I need to put some grease on the lock so that the door won’t get stuck, if so what type is recommended. Thanks in advance

 

You make it sound like something is freezing up. Did you try to unlock the door with the key? If the key wouldn't turn then the lock cylinder is "dry" and needs to be oiled with a thin oil like automatic trans oil or 3 in 1 oil. WD40 is not an oil and will evaporate.

If your key turned, then the problem is inside the goor and you will have to remove the inside door trim panel to get in there. Oil the rods and levers that go to the lock.

 

Thanks Dennis, yes I did try with the key and remote and all I could hear is the door motor noise. I’ll definitely check at local Napa store if they got anything you mention.

Last weekend I tried to spray with wd40 and so far it’s working but like you said it’s just a temporary fix.

 

You might want to post this in the 4th Generation section. This section is for 5th generation Maximas (2000-2003).

 

As above, he already did.

 

same problem here, my mind fools me to think that its after washing the car and left the access water inside the door frozen.

well last time i washed the car and wiped it dry, then i used the air hose at the car wash to blow around handle, keyhole and the "locking thing", so far no stuck yet.

 

if it won't work in a heated garage go from inside the car, open rubber weatherstripping from inner panel to glass, get wd30 or rust off and with the thin hose spray the lock really well. then pull the handle lock from outside and underneath it spray towards the lock assy at the latch where it locks. it most likely is seized. then slowly pull the handle to work it in.l spray the hole can. If that doesn't work you may have to price yourself an inner pannel and rip it out.