Drivers side door is good and stuck on me. Few days ago the latch was sticking so I hit it with some wd40 and all was well, starting shopping for new hinges, latch. Got in this morning, closed the door, and heard a "tink, clink". Tried the handle nothing. Rolled down the window and tried outside handle, nothing. Lock on/off, nothing. As far as I can figure the rod is down somewhere in the abyss of the door. I've done some forum searching but not coming up with much given that the panels are attached.

What are my options? Is there anyway to coax the interior panels open without destroying them, or jimmy the latch thru the window maybe?

 

You have to open it like a thief. Use a coat hanger and slide it down to where the latch is. Start pulling on stuff til you find the catch. It's pretty easy on third gens.

 

You can use the other door as a reference if you're not sure what to manipulate.

 

Kind of sounds to me like the latch rod mechanism for the handle popped off and fell.
Your going to have to take off the door cover panel and fish around for it. If that's damaged your going to be in for a hard time..

Should be able to just pull and have it pop open the door.

Good luck.

 

Yeah, that's what the OP said.

Do you have any suggestion for how he would "take off the door cover" since the door is closed? Without destroying the interior panel in the process?

Pull what? Interior handle does nothing, exterior handle does nothing. Pull what?

I think StealthT/A's suggestion of the coat hanger through the window gap like a thief, and Scorpner's suggestion to use the passenger door as a guide is a infinitely more useful.

 

And your comment served what purpose?...exactly?

- But yeah, that's fine.

Here is another thread on the same subject.
https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/body...door-wont.html

It might just be easier to call in a locksmith and have them get it open, especially if your in a hurry. It might be more time consuming pulling apart another door and playing with coat hangers. That's up to you.

If you got triple A plus or roadside assistance, they might be worth checking out.

Kudo's to anyone who can get those panels off with damaging them.

Again,

Good luck.

 

Do it the EASY way!
Roll the window all the way down.
Get out of car and look down inside the rear of the door for the latch
rods and latch itself.
There is enough space between the window and door panel to see
the latch and inner workings clearly.
Look where the handle rod attaches to the lock mechanism.

MAKE SURE the door is unlocked first using the inside lock slider.

Fish out the handle rod and pull OR use a coat hanger or similar to
grab the release notch/mechanism and pull to release!

Usually no need to remove door panel.
(thanks to James C. for the pic)