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Door won't open

Tiny
JOSH5749
  • MEMBER
  • 1999 HONDA ACCORD
  • 4 CYL
  • 186,000 MILES
My drivers side door will not open. I have tried to unlock it manually and with the switch;I have tried opening from the outside; I have tried hitting it: I have tried kicking it; I have yelled at it, all to no avail. So then I literally ripped off the door panel (with the door shut there was really no other way) and cut back the plastic to inspect. All of the rods are in place and there are no obvious breakages in the mechanisms. I have tried to look for a release pin on the locking mechanism, but the window track is in the way and I cant see how to take it off with the door closed, So my question is what do I do from here? How do I remove the window track? How do I remove the locking mechanism with the door closed? And if there are no answers out there, then how do I make crawling into the car through the passenger door more comfortable and less annoying? I am however considering painting my car orange and naming it the "General Lee".
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Friday, December 17th, 2010 AT 1:50 AM

77 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,911 POSTS
First, this has to be the best post I read in a long time. As far as the problem, it sounds like the lock rod has fallen off. Lets remove the door panel for an inspections here is a guide to walk you through the steps.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/door-panel-removal

Please run down this guide and report back.
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Tuesday, December 21st, 2010 AT 2:05 AM
Tiny
JOSH5749
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Yes, linkage accessible. What next?
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Friday, December 24th, 2010 AT 9:00 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,911 POSTS
Sorry for the delay. Christmas, kids, family. It's easier to go to work.

As far as the linkage, have you checked to make sure nothing is bent, disconnected, or broken? As far as the window track, you don't need to remove it. However, check to see if you can manually move the lock linkage.
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Sunday, December 26th, 2010 AT 6:37 AM
Tiny
GEAUXTURBO
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
I have a 98 with the exact same problem. The door won't open from the inside or outside. I also half way ripped the inner pannel off. All the linking rods are fine. I can't figure out a way to open the door so I can fix/replace the latch mechanism. Can I take the front quarter panel off and unbolt the hinges and get it off that way, or should I just hook up my Warn x8000i to this #$%!%$#%#@#$%@#$%? Talk about frustrating.
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Wednesday, December 29th, 2010 AT 7:18 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,911 POSTS
I wouldn't recommend that (lol). Removing the front fender is an option, but check the passenger side door to make sure it is unboltable and not welded. If you have access to the latch assembly, you should be able (not easy) to manually unlatch the door.
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Wednesday, December 29th, 2010 AT 10:17 PM
Tiny
GEAUXTURBO
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Hehehe, thanks. After further digging and leaving the winch taunting me on the Jeep, I've decided on a dremmel. I have removed the inner door pannel entirely. Only broke a couple clips which I can replace. I pulled it upward and toward the back seat. I removed a white protective piece of plastic near the vertical manual lock rod (one tiny hidden screw), removed the elctric door lock actuator (3 small screws + two larger screws for a guard thats on the back side of it + two electric connection plugs). All that is is in front of me is the latch mechanism. Pulling the handle rods and lock rods I can see that externally it appears to be fine. But she still ain't opening. So, I'm going to dremmel the backing plate off the latch and carefully remove pieces until I find the mechanism that opens the door. Good luck to anyone else having this problem. There seems to be no simple way to open the door from inside the panel.
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Wednesday, December 29th, 2010 AT 10:34 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,911 POSTS
Let me know how things work out for you. I thought for sure you would be able to access it. Tonight must be the night for dremmel tools. I got mad at my truck and used mine to get a stripped bolt out of the dash. God, I hope 2011 is a better year.
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Thursday, December 30th, 2010 AT 6:38 AM
Tiny
ONEVOLTS
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
Well I have 1994 Honda Accord and today I had same exact issue door is stuck and actuator works fine I kind a remove inner cover just enough to see in and all looks good. I guess my only option is to drill a hole in latch to open the door. I have seen video at you tube where some one mentioned by using some release clip it should open with out drilling but I can not find it.
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Thursday, December 30th, 2010 AT 11:05 PM
Tiny
GEAUXTURBO
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Well, got the door open. After removing everything listed above plus two rods in the way (the lokc rod I had to cut the white plastic carefully unitl I could pull it out), dremel (cut off wheel) just above the top rivet and just below the bottom rivet. Dremel the rivet flat. Use a screwdriver or needle nose to pull the gold backing plate off (don't booger up the screws holding the latch mechinism in place, you may need them later and you should be far enough way that it isn't a problem). When you pull the backing plate off there is a ton of white plastic. Just below where the top rivet is, start making a big hole with your dremel moving towards the bottom rivet (rasping attachment - short burred end that eats plastic quickly). I went deep enough to feel like I was hitting metal and just continued to make the hole bigger until I could see the C-clip latch (gold in color). Then, took a screwdriver and flipped it up. Door opened. Took about 15 minutes to get the rods off, 30 minutes to carefully cut off the backing plate and about 10 minutes to make a big enough hole to flip the gold colored latch up. Now, I'm off to Honda to get the new latch.

Good luck, hope this helped you.
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Friday, December 31st, 2010 AT 4:50 PM
Tiny
CALIWEEZE79
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1999 HONDA ACCORD
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
The driver side door latch on my 99 Honda Accord (2 door) won't unlock or open. The door is stuck closed. Pulling the handle to unlatch the door mechanism won't work. It pulls back but the door latch doesn't unlock or open. Since the latch mechanism is installed inside the door and the fasteners are installed from the outside of the door, through the sheet metal, and then through to the mechanism, I am unable to replace the mechanism because I can't get at the fasteners with the door closed. How can I open the door to get at the fasteners?
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Tuesday, October 23rd, 2018 AT 5:50 PM (Merged)
Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,814 POSTS
You would have to try to remove the door trim to try to get the door opened. With door closed, it could mean damaging the door trim as you try to wrestle it off.

Remove whatever holding screws you could get to and try to pull the trim off. Usually the only screws are on the door handle (arm rest) and behind the window/lock switches.

Attached below is a diagram of the latch assembly
Image (Click to make bigger)
Thumb
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Tuesday, October 23rd, 2018 AT 5:50 PM (Merged)
Tiny
BARRY
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1999 HONDA ACCORD
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 145,000 MILES
When I use the clicker or do it manually, the door will not open. Everything acts like it is working, but the door will not open. Is there a way to get the door open so I can look at the latch assembly?
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Tuesday, October 23rd, 2018 AT 5:50 PM (Merged)
Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,814 POSTS
Hi Barry,

Not going to be easy. You need to remove the inner door trim by forcing it out.
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Tuesday, October 23rd, 2018 AT 5:51 PM (Merged)
Tiny
DANA RAY
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1999 HONDA ACCORD
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 205,000 MILES
Can't open drivers sid door. Took side panel off to get to hinges still wont open.
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Tuesday, October 23rd, 2018 AT 5:51 PM (Merged)
Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,814 POSTS
Hi dana ray,

The door latch is faulty and you would need to break the plastic part to remove a small spring to unlatch.
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Tuesday, October 23rd, 2018 AT 5:51 PM (Merged)
Tiny
SUMANMUNNULA
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1999 HONDA ACCORD
  • 9 MILES
Hi, I have take used car from my friend, but rare right side door is not opening, he told to unlock the child lock, but I couldn't find its location, it doesn't open from inside or outside, please where is it located thank you
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Tuesday, October 23rd, 2018 AT 5:51 PM (Merged)
Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,814 POSTS
You need to open the door frpm outside to unlok the child lok. It is located under the door panel near the door lock.

Seems you have a problem with the outer handle or door lock and the child lock is also activated.

Under such circumstances you would have to remove the inner door panel, which is not easy considering the door is closed and might damage the panel as force is required to bend the panel to get it off.

After removal of panel, you have to try to wiggle with the door opener from the outer handle.
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Tuesday, October 23rd, 2018 AT 5:51 PM (Merged)
Tiny
AMWADE
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1991 HONDA ACCORD
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 220,000 MILES
My front driverside door will not open with the key from the outside nor the latch from the inside. How can I get the inside door panel off being that I can't open the door to get at the bolts and what part may need to be replaced if I'm able to get the door panel off?
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Tuesday, October 23rd, 2018 AT 5:51 PM (Merged)
Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,814 POSTS
Hi there,

I believe the door lock itself is faulty. Part of the unlocking mechanism has worn off and is now stuck.

You need to replace the lock assy but opening the door is a messy job as the unlocking tab is almost unaccessible.

You need to get the outer door moulding out and then close the window. From there you need a long and strong screwdriver to chisel away a plastic part of the lock to release a spring inorder for the lock to open.

Get a new door lock and from there you would get an idea which area to chisel away.

I hate doing this job but have done it umpteen times.
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Tuesday, October 23rd, 2018 AT 5:51 PM (Merged)
Tiny
BATMANWHO
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
  • 1990 HONDA ACCORD
Interior problem
1990 Honda Accord 4 cyl Front Wheel Drive Automatic

My driver side door will not open! I took the door panel off, but I had no luck releasing the latch. Any suggestions as to how I can get the latch to release? Thanks!
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Tuesday, October 23rd, 2018 AT 5:51 PM (Merged)

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