Can't open Drivers side door

[ksuwildcatz]

I can't open the drivers side door of my 88 grand prix. I just replaced the door handle about 2 weeks prior to my door not opening. I can't open it from the inside or outside. How do I get the thing open to fix what ever I need to. Thanks Aaron

[regalfriend]

Maybe you can use a slim jim. You might be able to find a AAA guy or repo man to do this for a couple of bucks. Some Police Dept's will come to open the door for free if you are locked out. But since your not really locked out you could get in trouble for this.....P.S. once you get it open, dont close it so you can take off the door panel to fix.

[richtazz]

The rods that run from the interior and exterior handles can get bent and not push far enough to release the latch. It's not an easy task to open one when this occurs. Once you get the door open, you'll need to slightly straigten the rods at one or more of the bends to get them to work properly again.

[TXSBrat5]

Also, just an FYI, I had a bad rear strut due to a curb or mountain my daughter hit. It put a slight bend in the control arm, and the body was sagging pretty good on the rear driver side. After replacing the exterior handle and all new insides, door still would not open, like it was stuck. I was able to finally open it from the inside, and looked at the strike pin on the body (near top of car) the rubber was gashed terribly. I took it to have the door hinges adjusted, but they were fine. I had the window down and with the door closed, I pressed up on the door as I pulled handle. Worked great. replaced strut, now works like a champ. Take the other guys advice first, my gp's in rough shape!