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

Tiny
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?
Friday, September 2nd, 2011 AT 6:49 PM

4 Replies

Tiny
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?
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
-2
Friday, September 2nd, 2011 AT 6:59 PM
Tiny
MMPRINCE4000
  • MECHANIC
  • 8,548 POSTS
You will probably have to remove the front seat and take panel off.

You could also get a locksmith to open it.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Saturday, September 3rd, 2011 AT 1:56 PM
Tiny
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.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Tuesday, January 3rd, 2012 AT 8:37 AM
Tiny
WRENCHTECH
  • MECHANIC
  • 20,761 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.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
-1
Tuesday, January 3rd, 2012 AT 11:01 AM

Please login or register to post a reply.

Related Door Open Content