Door Lock on '90

Chapol · 05-22-2007, 06:48 PM

Passenger side door is locked and won't open on '90 Camry.

- I hear a noise and see a little motion on the button when pushing either the driver's side or the passenger side electric switches (either lock or unlock).
- Nothing I try will open the door (driver side electric switch, passenger side switch, or key). So, can only get the door panel off slightly at the latch side.
-Can't see anything suspicious with door panel slightly ajar.
-Tried yanking the door locking "button" up with pliers, but couldn't budge it.
-All other locks work fine.

Any ideas not already covered in other threads?

ice745 · 05-24-2007, 12:44 AM

Has there been any damage to the door that could've bent anything?

What could have happened is the catch and latch had interference and the door was slammed shut, could've bent the latch stuck. This could affect the lock as well since the linkage all goes to the latch.

If you can pry the panel off just enough to try to open the latch by pulling the linkages at the latch (instead of using hte lock button and door handle) that may help a lot.

If it's at the point where you can't even get the panel off (since you can't open the door) you may want to go to a junkyard and pick up a new panel, and drill/cut a hole into the panel you have on the door (just use caution not to go too far; take off the drivers side as a reference so you know what's hidden where, and where to cut to get close to the latch; without damaging wries etc...).

Once you can get at the actual latch of the door, you should be able to manipulate the linkage locally to unlock and open the door (without having to use the actual lock button and door handle). Hopefully there's not too much damage to prevent even that from opening the door.

I don't know what else you could do. I've never dealt with a door that has been stuck closed before. But if there's nothing you can do to help it externally, I think the only way you're going to get in is open panel surgery.

Best of luck.

Another idea is try getting a small sledge hammer (one-handed type) and tap the door by the latch/catch from the inside. Do it lightly and carefully not to bend anything. The force of that may knock something loose. I would tap a couple times, then try to unlock and open thedoor, try a few more times, and try again. And see if you're getting any progress on the position of the lock button. If you do this, do it with the window up, to keep it away from the focus of the impact. It shouldn't be enough to damage it, but better to be safe.

Again, I have no experience with this kind of problem, these are just ways I would approach if I did. They may be totally wrong and stupid, so you may want to wait for a second opinion before you jump into it. Be careful with what you do; because it'll be a lot worse if you get a door that is stuck open than a door that is stuck closed.

Chapol · 05-26-2007, 11:37 AM

Thanks a million! Your tips and motivation did the trick. I was able to remove the door handle, door pull, and a few other attachments from the inside so I could partially remove the panel and peer down the window and reach inside the door. With a pry bar, I pushed gently inward on what appeared to be the latch, and voila! it opened the door. I couldn't see any reason for it to not work, so I gave it a heavy dose of WD-40 and reassembled the door and worked it several times.

Very minor damage done to the door panel.

Yes, it did lock open last winter, and I had to drive while holding onto the door! But I doubt if it would pass safety inspection without the lock working.

Thanks again! You guys are good!

Once you can get at the actual latch of the door, you should be able to manipulate the linkage locally to unlock and open the door (without having to use the actual lock button and door handle). Hopefully there's not too much damage to prevent even that from opening the door.

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