Back door lock stuck when locked.

[ramik]

Hi everyone,

I have a 2001 Sienna, the back door lock got stuck when I locked the car. I tried to open it, the handle broke, I did fix the handle with a screw. Now the handle works but the lock does not open, unless I use a screw driver from inside and push the mechanism up, to unlocked.
When I lock the car the key in the ignition, I can unlock the back door.

The problem start when I lock the car with the engine turn off. It seems to be an eletrcial compoment rather than mechanical, it could be the actuator. I don't know how to disable the actuator,or replace it, there are 3 connectors, going to the lock, I tried to remove 3 of them it did not help. The wire going to the actuator does not have a connector?

I appretiate your help.

Thanks,

Rami

[ceastonoh]

I might be able to help. I thought I had fixed it 2 or 3 times, but it kept coming back. What I did the last time was went to the auto parts store and got a throttle return spring. I bent a hook on one end and it goes in the cable end holder. The spring then goes left as you're looking at it from inside the car (toward the passenger side) and I bent a sharp hook to go into an unused hole in the door very near where the handle screws on.
Be very careful that you put only enough tension on the spring to move the mechanism that last 1/8th to 1/16th inch.
Worked for me. Hope it does for you.

Charlie

[ramik]

Thanks Charlie, this is bit complicated for me, I brought to the dealership He said there was a bent part he straighten it works fine. Nothing had to be replaced. I just paid $200 for labour which is ok, since the lock itself is about $280.

Rami

[jared_801]

Ok thanks but I'm a bit lost. The back door is closed. Can't open it to get to any mechanical parts. If I can get the door open I can pull it apart and fix it. How do I get the door open? Or is there a way to fix it while closed?

[ceastonoh]

Jared, Move the back seats forward and fold them down. Fold down or remove the second seat(s). You'll be laying flat so spreading an old comforter over the area might help.
This next part might seem like taking your socks off with your shoes still on but it can be done.
Crawl into the passenger area. Down on your left you will see a handle at the bottom called the door assist grip. Carefully pry down the covers and remove the two screws behind them holding the handle. They are 10mm I believe but also have Phillips slots. Now remove the door pull strap over to the right and up a bit. Pop off the cap and the single screw is revealed. 12 mm as I recall.
There are 11 trim clips remaining that hold the door trim panel in. 2 are located roughly opposite the door assist grip, three up each side and three across the top.
You can probably get these to release with your finger tips. Start at the two bottom ones, then work up each side. Then the three across the top.
If the three across the top won't release, then stop - don't break anything. Simply remove the top center garnish (above the glass) with a taped flat screwdriver. It has 5 clips. Then remove the left and right garnish. They each have 3 clips.
Now you can use your taped screwdriver to remove the top 3 clips of the door trim board. You will see that the door trim board top left and top right tucks under these side garnish trims. If you were lucky enough to get the door trim board off with the garnish trim on, remember to tuck the door trim board under them first when reinstalling.
You are now looking at the latch mechanism and can do the repairs necessary.
Charlie