Anyone have an idea how to help my poor daughter? All of a sudden she tries to unlock the drivers door, it won't unlock from outside or inside. The inside door handle appears to be moving normally like the other side, but the door won't open! Is this an easy fix?
How do you get the door panel off when the door won't open?
Thanks in advance!
Hot as hell in Nashville

 

It is not an easy fix, even for an accmplished mechanic. See following video which demonstrates:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sHMe-5VpxM8

She will need some help from a body shop, or maybe a locksmith.

If you DIY, get a used latch assy to understand how to depress the latch.

good luck

 

Thanks VERY much. I talked to an independent Honda/Acura shop that has done these repairs before. The last one was on a Civic, and he said it cost $500+, due to how long it took to fix the damn latch. So I am wondering out loud here, does it seem doable that I study the video carefully and then get the door panel off and see if I can find the specific problem, and if I can't, then take it to the shop and let them finish the job? [I am not that confident I can do it] This could save me some labor costs perhaps?? Any thoughts or suggestions? Car has 220k and runs well, A/C still works, electric windows still work. The 2 outer CV boots have been cracked for several months now but no driveability issues now, the shop says to wait until they fail. 10k on Michelin tires. Catalytic converter replaced at 172k. Timing belt replaced in last couple of years. All coolant and heater hoses replaced at 192k. I do NOT want to tell my daughter to replace the car for this, but WHAT IF it does cost $500 to fix the lock, is it WORTH IT?? The shop knows I would like to get an advance estimate if possible before they get too far into the job. We are NOT looking for a reason to go out and buy another car. AND ... how are you going to sell a car if the drivers door won't open at all??!!

 

I know $500 sounds like a lot relative to value of car, however consider what a replacement costs. Further you have a known value in your present car. A price of $500, probably represents $100 parts and $400 labor. He has padded the labor a bit, but it's a tough job as you can see from the video. He is allowing for problems,...hard to blame him.

Regarding DIY, only you can say whether you're up to the job. I would go ahead and buy the new latch and examine the mechanism you must trip to release the door. I think hard part is gaining access. Once you have access, it's pretty straightforward.

I've had a few jobs I wish I had never started. Hopefully, you won't find that to be the case. No shame in hollering "calf roped" and get some help.

Please update on what happens!

good luck