Driver side door will not unlock?

2004 KIA OPTIMA
105,000 MILES • 6 CYL • FWD • AUTOMATIC
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AMERICA12
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
drive rside door will not unlock you have to play with the lock by locking and unlocking the door from the outside til it opens and also when starting the car in the morning it rattles a little than runs fine
Jan 10, 2009 at 6:44 PM
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SQM
  • CAR REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
  • 6,383 POSTS
Hello,

It sounds like an issue with the door lock actuator for that door.
It is likely getting weak, that is why you will have to try a few times before it works.

In order to replace the actuator you will have to remove the inner door panel.
To remove that panel you will have to take off few screws and several plastic fasteners.

Here is a helpful article:

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

Please let me know of any questions.
Thank you.
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Sep 19, 2021 at 9:56 PM
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