my driver side door recently became stuck in the locked position. the door handle won't open anymore and when I try to unlock it, it won't fully unlock (key also won't turn all the way if I try it manually, feels like there is a lot of resistance when trying to turn). I have a feeling that there is a bent rod inside the door preventing me from fully unlocking it. to make things worse, the door was closed when this happened, so I can't even get in my car unless I climb in from the passenger side.

has this happened to anyone before? how can I fix this? is there a way to remove the door panel to access the inside while the door is closed?

 

I have never heard of this happening.

 

spray some lube in the key hole

 

I have never herd of this but no, the door panel won't come off when the door is closed.

As recommend before, spray a break free lube in there and slowly work at it.

Did water get inside and freeze?

I'm guessing the inside lock is tight as well...


Good luck with this strange issue

 

I don't think water froze, this happened one day when the car was parked in a garage. I had driven the car to work that morning and locked it using the keyless remote. when it was time to go home, I tried to unlock it and the driver side door would not budge. I can hear the mechanism inside trying to unlock, but it sounds like it is being restricted. when I put the key in keyhole, I can turn the key easily to lock the door, but it resists if I try to turn it to unlock. I feels as if there is something stuck that is preventing the key from turning all the way.

I've also noticed that the passenger side won't unlock using the keyless remote either, and can only be unlocked manually using the key. It is as if the keyless signal to unlock the car links both the driver and passenger doors together, and if the driver door can't unlock, then neither will the passenger door. However, if I manually use the key to unlock the passenger door, it opens just fine.

Is there really no way to pry the inner door panel off while the door is closed? Even just a little so I can see what's going on inside? That would make the problem even worse...

 

Maybe you need a good locksmith.
Levi

 

I'd get "jimmy" and go from the top and see if I can pull the lock bar over to unlock it before I go tearing door panels off.

And not really, the way it sits against the dash, you will be hard pressed to get that panel removed without destroying it.


If you can put the window down, get a flash light and a mirror on a rod and see if you can get a peek inside the door.

 

that's not a bad idea, what would you recommend as a jimmy? a wire coat hanger?

 

You might need something a bit stronger. Usually a professional break in rod would be your best bet because it won't flex under pressure like a coat hanger. But you can give it a try....

 

Call a tow truck guy...those guys can get into almost any car with a jimmy. LOL