Driver's door is stuck shut

[lnabbster]

Hi everyone- I have a 2004 4runner- driver's door is stuck shut. When you try to manuall turn the key from the outside it only goes to the left- but not to the right to unlock. I can hear the actuator trying to work with the remote. I took the seat out, jimmy'd the panel off the door and I can't figure out how to get the door open so I can work with it. anyone experience this one or have a solution? thanks.

 

[drmorbius]

Hi everyone- I have a 2004 4runner- driver's door is stuck shut. When you try to manuall turn the key from the outside it only goes to the left- but not to the right to unlock. I can hear the actuator trying to work with the remote. I took the seat out, jimmy'd the panel off the door and I can't figure out how to get the door open so I can work with it. anyone experience this one or have a solution? thanks.

What happens when you unlock it from inside?

 

[lnabbster]

Thanks for the reply- it won't unlock from the inside. I traced the cable from the inside door lock to the actuator and tried to pull on the actuator- but that wouldn't work either. I'm thinking the actuator is maybe broken on the inside or the lock/hinge is stuck. Not sure. wondering if I can get the actuator out of the door while is stuck shut?

 

[MikesToy]

so what happens when you try to unlock it with your remote?

 

[lnabbster]

with the remote- same thing- the door won't unlock- u can hear the actuator trying but doesn't work. I'm thinking the actuator is jammed- therefore I'll have to pull it from the inside.

 

[MikesToy]

i wonder how it got stuck in the first place?

 

[drmorbius]

Thanks for the reply- it won't unlock from the inside. I traced the cable from the inside door lock to the actuator and tried to pull on the actuator- but that wouldn't work either. I'm thinking the actuator is maybe broken on the inside or the lock/hinge is stuck. Not sure. wondering if I can get the actuator out of the door while is stuck shut?

Look at the end of the door. There is a set screw which holds the lock cylinder in place. Loosen or remove the set screw, put the key in the lock and wiggle it until the lock cylinder comes out. Release the cables from the inside handle/lock assembly, remove the single bolt which holds the lower rear window guide and remove the guide. Remove the three phillips head screws that hold the latch and the actuator box, and remove the box through the hole in the door.

 

[sketch_milk]

I lost my keys while at work, had a spare, non chipped key made. The key unlocked the vehicle, and still locks/unlocks all 4 doors and hatch, but the driver door will not open from the inside or out. Have since found the spare chipped key, but same issue. All doors lock/unlock, but driver door won't open.

 

[bettschatz]

4 runner drivers door stuck ...

Helpppp ... door inexplicably will not open. Actuator works ... lock and unlock works on all doors except, of course, driver’s side. Am sooooo frustrated, I think my neighbor enjoys seeing me clamber in to the drivers side from passenger side... lol