2003 4runner door won't unlock

[maosy]

Hello everyone,

It started yesterday when I found out that I can't unlock the driver side door of my 2003 4Runner. All of the other side doors and the hatch door work just fine. I tried using the remote, the key (it won't even turn on the driver side), the insided manual all-door controlling switch and the actual door locking switch on the door latch, the door just simply won't unlock. I had to climb in and out via the passenger side door. I believe the problem might be electrical not mechanical because I can hear the clicking sound when I try to lock/unlock all doors via switches or key (from passenger side door & hatch door). Several other posting on this side suggested a possible faulty actuator or bad fuse. But I can't even open the door to do any investigation. The Toyota dealer has no clue. He told me that he would have to take the door off the 4Runner to solve the problem. Wow!

Anyone has any idea on this crazy problem. This is definitely the first for me.

Thanks,
Maosy :moping:

 

[Trevloc]

does the unlock indicater move? or stay put? you cant manually unlock it? when you try to manually does it move freely or is it hard to move?

 

[maosy]

does the unlock indicater move? or stay put? you cant manually unlock it? when you try to manually does it move freely or is it hard to move?

Nothing move on the driver side door lock... I can't even unlock by hand!

 

[TechWrench]

Nothing move on the driver side door lock... I can't even unlock by hand!

If the inside handle does not work, then you may need someone with a slim-jim type tool to open the door. Many body shops and most locksmiths should have one.

 

[Trevloc]

it sounds to me, if you cant manually move the unlock, that the bar has become disconected. or something is blocking the bar. especially if you can hear it trying to unlock. jmo though.

 

[Acidmeld]

it sounds to me, if you cant manually move the unlock, that the bar has become disconected. or something is blocking the bar. especially if you can hear it trying to unlock. jmo though.

+1 sounds mechanical not elecrical

 

[03Toy4Rnr]

I just came back from the dealer with the same prob on my 03 4runner. They said it has something to do with the door airbag and will cost me over $500 to fix. i'm taking it somewhere else for a second and third opinion. When i use the key fob, the door SOMETIMES unlock but most of the time it doesn't.

 

[Trevloc]

I just came back from the dealer with the same prob on my 03 4runner. They said it has something to do with the door airbag and will cost me over $500 to fix. i'm taking it somewhere else for a second and third opinion. When i use the key fob, the door SOMETIMES unlock but most of the time it doesn't.

take the door panel off and take a look for yourself....