I cannot lock or unlock the driver side door. Is there an easy way to fix this problem? Hopefully I don't have to replace the whole door handle. Any help would be appreciated!

 

I've broken mine now 3 times in 9 years. It's VERY common.

Go to the parts forum and somebody should be able to hook you up.

 

Damn POS!!!
Time for the old keyless entry!
This happens way to often on these cars, people look at you funny when you have to open the door from the passenger side.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by the_glass_man
.... people look at you funny when you have to open the door from the passenger side. [/QUOTE
LMAO...I did this for months on one occassion...it took a new girlfriend and then amazingly 3 days later...

 

So I DO need a new door handle eh? Greattt!

 

You might not. As long as the handle actually works, you might be in good shape. My problem was the handle wouldn't open the door. Then it eventually broke.

Can you lock the car from the inside handle?

If you can open the door, pull off the interior plastic cover behind the door lock. There are two bolts there that hold the exterior piece on.

 

Yes, I'm able to lock and unlock the door from inside. The door handle still works as well. Its just when I stick the key in it will not lock or unlock the door.

 

In that case, I would check to see if the connections to the lock mechanism are lose or not. If the key lock itself is broken (which I doubt), you'll have to replace the locks on both doors and probably get a new key. Then you would have to decide if you wanted all keys changed instead of just the doors.

I would open it up and check for anything not connected or not connected well. It only takes a minute to open it.

 

Get some aerosol white lithium grease and spray it in the keyhole and all around the mechanism behind the handle. That stuff really penetrates and makes the stickiest locks smooth.

If that doesn't work:

Take it apart (you will have to take off the door trim to get to the connector for the green wire). Take a good look at the brown plastic connectors that attach the lock/handle pushrods and remove them carefully. Now it should be free of the car and you can poke at it to figure out what's stuck.

Dave