Door Jammed!

[mystique561]

I drive a 1990 Lexus Ls-400 v-8 engine. For some reason, Im not able to turn the key to unlock the driverside door. It's happened before, but I was always able to unlock the door in a short time. If the driverside door cant unlock, no matter if you unlock the passenger side, the car wont start. When the lock and key comes together, It's like it unlocks the entire car, including the trunk. I have no Power to start the car without the driver side door being unlocked. Can U help Me?

[mystique561]

sell it

[mystique561]

I need help!

[KimMG]

Have you tried a different key? I have heard this complaint and seen the problem before and the cause has been worn keys.

[Docfxit]

I recently had a similar experience. I couldn't open or unlock the drivers door. I don't understand why you can't start the car. If you get into the drivers seet from the passenger side can you start the car? I believe you must have your foot on the break to start the car. If you can I know how to resolve your issue without ruining the drivers door panel. The dealership said if they fix it they destroy the door panel. The door panel alone cost $500.00. Then you also have other costs to repair it.

Can you lock and unlock the rest of the doors with the remote key?
Does the door handle move it's full travel when you try to open the door?
Both inside and outside?

If it does you have the same problem I did.

Docfxit

[ponchonutty]

It could be anything like worn keys, worn lock, bent rods, linkage caught up in something. Have you ever locked your keys inside and had the car unlocked by a locksmith or other method???? If so, I'd bet money on bent rods. You'll just have to get the door open and take the panel off.

BTW, there are ways to get in there with out destroying the door panel.

[shecow]

For Docfxit -

How did you solve your problem? I'm having the same malfunction!

I can lock and unlock the rest of the doors with the remote key.
The door handle does move it's full travel when I try to open the door.
Can't open driver side from inside or outside.

Any advise?

Shecow

[Docfxit]

Originally Posted by shecow

For Docfxit -

Originally Posted by shecow

How did you solve your problem? I'm having the same malfunction!

I can lock and unlock the rest of the doors with the remote key.
The door handle does move it's full travel when I try to open the door.
Can't open driver side from inside or outside.

Any advise?

Shecow

There is a small spring that broke. It prevents the lock from opening. I figured it out after getting the inside door panel off the top edge where the panel meets the window. Then I purchased a new lock mechanism and figured out what was preventing it from unlocking. If I had known about the spring I could have just replaced the spring. It's impossible to see the body of the spring without the door panel off. I may have the old mechanism if you want to see how it works so you could release the lock without removing the panel. You will have to remove the panel after the door is open to replace the spring. The dealer wanted to cut the door panel in order for him to fix it. I don't know how hard it would be to find a replacement spring. The dealer could only sell me the entire mechanism.

Good Luck,

Docfxit

[shecow]

Originally Posted by Docfxit

[right]

There is a small spring that broke. It prevents the lock from opening. I figured it out after getting the inside door panel off the top edge where the panel meets the window. Then I purchased a new lock mechanism and figured out what was preventing it from unlocking. If I had known about the spring I could have just replaced the spring. It's impossible to see the body of the spring without the door panel off. I may have the old mechanism if you want to see how it works so you could release the lock without removing the panel. You will have to remove the panel after the door is open to replace the spring. The dealer wanted to cut the door panel in order for him to fix it. I don't know how hard it would be to find a replacement spring. The dealer could only sell me the entire mechanism.

Good Luck,


Docfxit

My husband discovered the same thing when he finally got the door of