Yesterday I decided to take the old girl out for a hell-run, had a great time.
Until I went to get back in after eating at a restaurant. I'd locked the door with the key and it would NOT unlock. Ended up having to crawl in through the passenger side, which I am sure was semi amusing to those watching a 57 year old, 6'2" 240 lb. do so.


It's done this a few times over the years and yeah, we've discussed the whole phenomenon a few times...but even after I got home and took the outside handle off, and manipulated the little rods, it wouldn't unlock all the way. Finally, after literally and liberally douching it with PB Blaster, I got it to unlock. And it seems to work fine now. I wonder though if it is just gummy or if there is something inside getting worn? And...can one purchase the lock/latch mechanism anymore, I wonder?

 

What happens is the lock mechanism starts to stick. Over time forcing it bends the rods so they don't have enough throw to open the door. Take it apart, replace or straighten the rods, and lubricate all the moving parts including the lock cylinders.

 

You didn't just reach across and open the door and then walk back around?

Not that I have any personal experience with this either.... or anything..

 

Door wouldn't open from the INSIDE, either!

 

I had this exact problem recently. Went to unlock the door and nothing. I went in from the passenger side and tried to unlock it from the inside and the unlock lever was flimsy like it wasn't attached to anything. I did the same as you and messed with the rods and got no where. I took the door panel off and the issue was with the cable that attaches the lever on the door to rod that attaches to outside door handle. They're set up similarly to how the hood release cable sets in the hood latch. What happened in my case was the cable broke from its retainer allowing to to basically slide in the sleeve and actuate nothing. If I held it and moved the cable, as in held the sleeve, everything would operate like normal. From the way it's designed, the only way to fix it is to replace it. Fortunately, my 10 year old niece is a genius and suggested I just tape it lolololllol so I did. And everything has been fine for the past month.

I secured the locking cable to the door open cable with tape and it holds the sleeve secure enough that the lock/unlock mechanism works fine and the door open mechanism operates without flaw. If you take the door panel off and follow the cables that run to the inside unlock switch and door handle, this will all make perfect sense. I would recommend using gorilla tape for longevity. I only had standard packing tape on hand. I think one day it may let loose..... although I don't think that day will come for a good long while. I wrapped it pretty tight.