Both interior and exterior door handles on my ‘97 fail to release the door latch, so I cannot open the door. It began after I powered down the window and I heard SNICK when I powered the window up, obviously the latch release bar connection was separated by the window frame.

The chap is, being unable to open the door, I am so far unable to remove the interior panel to gain access to fix it. I removed the switch panel, inside door handle and screw, arm rest and the two screws, and was able to pop the left side plastic fasteners free at the edge of the panel. I think I can bend a coat hanger to remove the left side plastic donut fastener near the top. However I cannot conceive of a method to remove the plastic pop fastener near the tweeter speaker tucked forward currently at the left end of the dashboard. Maybe it will must tear out when I try to lift up the panel?

But I have yet to be able to pop free the lower edge of the interior door panel and the right side.
So I cannot remove the inside panel to get at the repair.

Is there a way to make a Slim Jim to actuate the door release from window?
I forget what it even looks like....

Thanks!

From messing around with the collision bar switchover I think 3rd gen was the first model where they started putting jimmy blockers over the front door latches. It could still be jimmied but not as easily, by an amateur. Easiest way would be to call AAA/Mapfre if you have a membership. I remember dealing with this 10+ years ago on mine or a buddy's truck and I feel like we just forced the interior panel off, but that wouldn't have been a 3rd gen. If you have to destroy the panel they're not that pricey on Ebay, probably less than a locksmith

pretty much the same two options I came up with....thanks

I had a similar issue a few months ago.
There is a small plastic clip that fails and disconnects the exterior handle. The interior handle seemed to have failed as well, but there is some interaction between the two latches and lock button mechanism that was basically keeping the door locked. The interior handle if i remember does not disengage the lock button, only acts indirectly via the ext. handle. Im sorry i didnt take pics when i had it apart.
I was able to get the door open by: sitting in drivers seat, window down, unlock manually with key via exterior latch, and unlatch with interior handle.
Good luck

I will try that! I have a harbor freight borescope videocam, telescopic magnets, mirrors and claw. I was able to reach the exterior actuation rod but it feels like the lock is still engaged, likeyours, even though the keys move the knob up and down, feels like the power mechanism not unlocking the lock. I will try your technique but the outside rod keeps coming off the handle, need to add a zip tie but no access till the door opens


Just tried your method but not working, pulling the interior rod while turning the key outside does not free up the lock.

AAA will be here shortly but I am not too optimistic....

Meh you’d be surprised at how good them buys that locksmith are at jimmy’n.

My suggestion would be roll down the window and go fishin. Yeah it’s a pain but it’s doable. Your at ground level at least, try doing that business on a semi…..