How do you get a door open that has a bad actuator?

94PRIZM

MEMBER
1994 GEO PRIZM
202,000 MILES

The power door lock on the driver door appears to have a bad actuator(?). I cannot unlock the door by key, switch, remote or manually pulling up the lock. Is there any way to get the lock freed up or just the door open so I can remove the door panel?

4 Replies

JDL

MECHANIC
16,098 POSTS

I don't know if a slim-jim will work or not? The police department usually carry them? I don't know if the autostores carry them or not? You might be able to straighten a wire cloths hanger, make a hook on one end, slide it down beside beside the glass, see if you can hook anything?

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Friday, September 2nd, 2011 AT 6:59 PM

MMPRINCE4000

MECHANIC
8,549 POSTS

You will probably have to remove the front seat and take panel off.

You could also get a locksmith to open it.

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Saturday, September 3rd, 2011 AT 1:56 PM

94PRIZM

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Actually, this is happening on the passenger side as well, only this side is stuck in the unlocked position. I can get the door panel off, and can reach in to where the lock rod latches, but it will not move in any direction. Tried to WD-40 it, but no luck to date.

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Tuesday, January 3rd, 2012 AT 8:37 AM

WRENCHTECH

MECHANIC
20,757 POSTS

When opening the door with a key, it is done mechanically, not electrically so you are not even using the actuator. There has to be a mechanical problem in the linkage and the door panel will have to come off for that but you will have to get it open the first time somehow to get it apart.

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Tuesday, January 3rd, 2012 AT 11:01 AM