Maxima door stuck shut

1995 Maxima with a front passenger door that will not open. I removed the passenger seat and was able to remove the inner door panel. I can see clearly into the door linkage which all works normal except I think that the latch is either stuck or broken. The problem is that the latch is encased in a thin plastic housing that has no screws or bolts on the inside to remove it. The screws are on the outside hidden in the door jam, which is in the stuck closed position. One possible solution would be to drill through the plastic casing to have visibility to the latch, but there is no gaurantee that will work. Before I drill, does anyone have experience with this problem and can advise me how to release the latch without too much damage. I have already tried a reputable body and fender shop to no avail. Thanks for your help.

...I have already tried a reputable body and fender shop to no avail....

Their reputation vanished into the wind or should I say outta door...

Been there.
- Should open with scredriver... S:(metimes it might not be so simplex.
- Need bright light & mirror to see the mech.
- Cut/saw the striker out. Get another from junkyard.
- cut/saw out door metal around the lock to reach/see it. Weld(screw it later back in, panel will hide...

Link to some other manuals http://www.cardomain.com/id/pohjola#links
The manuals with their shinto temple dwg's dont help too much... no real pics.

.

Thanks

On the mechanism, where should I be pushing; the top or the bottom?

Also, I noticed a plastic screw in the casing. It will tighten down clockwise (that's normal) but will continuously turn counter-clockwise and never be released from the encasement. Is this screw important in solving the problem?

...where should I be pushing; ...

Study the other side lock and watch while closing how the moving lock piece 'flips around' the striker(attached to chassis). There is possibility to flip it also from inside, just as the lock handle mech. Sorry, cannot hlp into the details u ask...

If its jammed solid, cut open the door sturcture to fit in drill or grinding tool... grind attachements until lock drops. If u manage do this 'inside area' where panel covers the structure, all ugly hammer marks will be hidden.

Best tool I've got...

http://www.drapertools-online.com:89/products/standard/52605_4262A.jpg



Btw, while there, lubricate window mech.

.

I got it open!
With the door panel off I was able to partially see the mounting screw of the striker in the door jam. I then removed the weather strip from the centerpost near the door jam which gave me a better view of the striker. With a cut wire hanger I blindly manuvered it into the door jam below the striker trying to push down on the white plastic rocker that prevented the latch from releasing. I luckily hit the back of the rocker and the latch released opening the door. Once the door was open, the latch assembly was easy to remove with the door panel off. I just need to buy a new one. Thanks for your help.

I got it open!... Thanks for your help.

Lucky you! All the reputable shops have now been beaten...