Front passenger door will not open, lock is stuck in the lock position

BILLIE JO BRITTON

MEMBER
2000 OLDSMOBILE ALERO
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
120,000 MILES

My power unlock quit working for my front passenger door a few months ago but I could lock and unlock it manually. A few weeks ago my daughter tried to get out of the car and the door wouldn’t unlock. So it’s been stuck shut. I can pull the unlock lever out a little bit but it won’t let me pull it all the way out enough to unlock the door. I can’t take the door panel off or anything with the door shut so I don’t know what to do other than have my passengers hop in and out the window like the duke brothers lol. Seriously, please help!

2 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,192 POSTS

Welcome to 2CarPros.

Duke brothers. LOL I needed that. I hate to say it, but you need to remove the door panel at least enough to access the linkage. Not as easy with the door closed, but it can be done.

Here are the directions for removal. The attached picture correlates with the directions. It will help you locate the fasteners. Take your time and keep moving the seat as needed.

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FRONT SIDE DOOR TRIM PANEL REPLACEMENT (OLDSMOBILE)
Front Side Door Trim Panel Replacement (Oldsmobile)

Removal Procedure

Caution: Refer to Battery Disconnect Caution

pic 1

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.

Important: When removing a door trim panel or switch plate, disconnect the negative battery terminal. This will eliminate the possibility of shorting out the switch if you use a screwdriver, an awl, or other metal object in order to remove the switch from the harness.

2. Remove the window regulator handle, if equipped.
3. Remove the front door warning reflector.
4. Remove the door panel screw (1) through the hole in the door warning reflector opening.
5. Use a flat bladed tool in order to remove the rear deck release switch bezel.
6. Disconnect the rear deck release switch.
7. Use a flat-bladed tool in order to remove the lower switch bezel trim screw access cover.
8. Remove the lower switch bezel trim screws.
9. Remove the lower switch bezel trim panel.
10. Use a flat-bladed tool in order to pry the front door switch bezel upward.
11. Disconnect:

* Power door lock switch connector, if equipped.
* Power window switch connector, if equipped.
* Power mirror switch connector, if equipped (left side only).

12. Gently disengage the front door trim retaining clips and remove the door trim panel from the door.

Installation Procedure

pic 1

1. Install the front door trim panel to the door. Ensure that the retainers are locked into place.
2. Connect the rear deck release connector.
3. Install the rear deck release switch bezel. Press the bezel firmly into place.
4. Install the window regulator handle to the door.
5. Connect:

* Power door lock switch connector, if equipped.
* Power window switch connector, if equipped.
* Power mirror switch connector, if equipped.

6. Install the front door switch bezel assembly to the front door trim panel.
7. Install the lower switch bezel trim panel.

Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in Service Precautions.

8. Install the lower switch bezel trim screws.

Tighten the lower switch bezel trim screws to 10 N.M (89 lb in).

9. Install the lower switch bezel trim screw access cover.
10. Install the door trim panel screw (1) through the hole in the front door warning reflector.

Tighten the door trim panel screw (1) to 10 N.M (89 lb in).

11. Install the front door warning reflector.
12. Connect the negative battery cable.

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Let me know if I can help.
Take care,

Bo. Just kidding, Joe

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