'97 Avalon door locks

[conslade]

My 1997 Avalon passenger side door is locked and cannot be unlocked. I have the key and both inside and outside door openers. the electric tries to open, but can't complete the cycle. How do I get door open so I can remove the door panel? any help would be greatly appreciated.

[Blu08Taco]

If you remove the plastic piece surrounding the inside door handle (should pop right off), you will be able to reach inside and pull the metal door lock rod. That should do it.

[conslade]

As soon as I got home and read your reply, I went out and popped off the cover. I had to unscrew the piece that holds the door handle/lock button. I got hold of the lock rod with some needle nosed pliers, but could not budge the rod. Looking down thru the window crack, I could see lock/opener mechanism. Linkage tries to move, but the lock itself is stuck. Any more ideas will be appreciated and tried. Thanks loads! conslade

[bob2]

spray some liquid wrench down into the lock mechanism from above. keep working the activation rod. have someone push in on the door from the outside, as you do this... if you can get on the activation rod with some vice grips...

[fourwheeler]

Also, make sure the latch mechanism is not manually locked to allow the latch to release.