Hyundai Repair: Driver door lock, door latch, sonata 4

Question
I have a 1999 GL2000 Sonata 4 door. The drivers door lock has jammed and I am unable to open it. I have access through the other doors however the drivers door refuses to budge?

Answer
Hi, Barry.  Typically, this occurs because a spring on the door latch rusts through and breaks.  Usually this is repaired by replacing the door latch, but some do-it-yourselfers, in an effort to save on part cost, have found a similar spring and installed.

To do this job, you'll need to roll the window down and  put a long skinny rod down through the window opening and use that to move the mechanism on the latch to open the door.  Then you'll be able to remove the door panel and service the latch.  Due to the difficulty in opening the door, if you're planning on replacing the latch yourself, I recommend having the latch prior to disassembly.  This way, you'll only need to open the door once.