camry door lock/unlock problem. - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

ToRn · 03-03-2009, 09:26 PM

Went to the store earlier and locked the drivers side door from the inside came back and tried to unlock it with the key but it wouldn't. The key turns left to lock mode easy but not easy at all towards the right to unlock. I then go through inside passenger side and tried to put it to unlock but it has a pressure forcing it back to lock mode and wont allow the door to open at all, the car doesn't have powered windows or locks. At this point I'm thinking something mechanical of the locks stuck inside and I can't open the door to check it out. anyone ran into this problem before or have a solution?

TexanF250 · 03-03-2009, 09:56 PM

There are some little plastic clips that hold the rod in place inside the door. I suspect one has broken and one of the mechanism rods is bound up causing the problem you are having. You can at least pull the bezel off around the inside door handle and see if you can get the door opened that way. Once you have the door open, pull the door panel off. There is a write up in the DIY section of the READ FIRST Posts at the top of this forum that does a pretty good job of showing you how to replace the inside door handle. You can use that information to show you how the door panel comes off.

ToRn · 03-03-2009, 10:03 PM

Which would be the proper way to take off the bezel without breaking or cracking it?

TexanF250 · 03-03-2009, 10:16 PM

Check the DIY Thread in the Read First section at the top of the forum. I just wnet through ther and there is actually a sticky on removing the door panel. It should be in there. If not clear in that thread, look at the how to replace the inside door handle thread.

It basicall comes off with a thin flat blade scewdiver but getting a look at one outside of the care will be a big help. Again, check the sticky thtreads at the top of the forum.

CamryWilly · 03-03-2009, 10:32 PM

Hey Torn, finally got that clutch changed? how is it going since?

ToRn · 03-03-2009, 11:03 PM

Yea clutch changed, now i gotta fix this problem tomorrow other than that its going great!

ToRn · 03-04-2009, 04:27 PM

This is pretty troublesome since the door is closed and stays locked i cannot at all work around taking off the panel, seems like the only way to fix this problem is to cut a hole through it or have a locksmith check it out and hope they know how to work through either the window hole or the lil hole from the handle. Anyways this will take some time and problem solving.

ToRn · 03-04-2009, 05:02 PM

Just got back from the Locksmith and told them the problem verbally and asked if they could work on it without the door being open through the window gaps ect, they didn't take a look at the car either since the door is stuck shut. They said I would have to go to a mechanic since they could not open the door to work on it, at this point I'm guessing mechanic will just tear the panel open and I would have to pay for labor and a new panel, and will cost me too much to afford which i would rather do myself than to pay someone else to do it.

TexanF250 · 03-04-2009, 10:04 PM

I would take a look at the Toyota Service Manual and get familiar with how the linkage works inside the door and determine what needs to move and if you can manipulate it from the opening for the inside door handle.

Something else you might try is to remove the driver's seat. then remove as much of the door panel hardware as you can get off. Once at this stage pry off as much of the door panel as you can leaving door panel intact. In other words, you may be able to get off enough hardware to pry open the bottom of the door panel andget you are up there to move the correct piece of linkage. At th very least, you may be able to use a couple of mirrors and flashlight to see what is going on.

ToRn · 03-04-2009, 11:41 PM

K the mad man cutting is done and was able to get the door open a short time with 2 other people problem we ran to was it was hard to get unlocked ( took a looong time) but once unlocked stayed unlocked and can open close and open right up again but when locked ooomygoosh! it was back to step one. The door panels only good for a Fiber glass project now

Will take pictures when i got time but something is definitely not in sync about it.

ToRn · 03-06-2009, 01:59 PM

Gutted things out and pulled the door lock/latch out and opened the lock (not the key cylinder) and saw a spring was broken in there which is the problem, I called Toyota up and asked about it and they said that would cost 360$ for that simple part, they also added the lock part number was the same and that it's weird since mine is non powered and that usually powered setup one is different.

Next question is: Can anybody confirm its the same lock/latch part for powered version and non powered?
Edit: powered window one will work i just cut the extra wire off that's dangling.

Got done pulling it out at a local junker to pull it out free installing next.

mkll/mx83 · 03-06-2009, 09:14 PM

I have two inside door handle assembles left and right in tan color for sale. Asking $15 plus $6 shipping in the USA. This may solve your problem. When those clips break, its hell getting out with out putting down the widow. Contact rbodiot@comcast.net