Nissan Repair: Power Door Lock, nissan altima, lock smith

Question
QUESTION: I have a 94 Nissan Altima, w/ power locks. It seems that the passenger side lock is stuck. Now bare with me I am a girl, so I will explain to the best of my knowledge.

When you push the button to unlock the door it acts as though it is going to unlock then locks back. The problem is the lock mecanism (sp) is stuck. We can not get the door to unlock to open it to get the panel off to replace it. Should we call a lock smith? Or do you have any suggestions? Thank you

-Tarra

ANSWER: Hi Tarra -

Could be that your actuator is broken, or linkage binding. Yes, you will have to remove the door panel. When you say it acts as though it wants to unlock, does it temporarily unlock, and lock back? If so, perhaps a helper can open the door at the precise time the pin is disengaged? How about manually unlocking with the key from outside, does it bind, or move at all?

Please get back to me with this info, as it would help greatly.

Of course, you can use a slim jim, or call a locksmith ($$$), but let's talk about it a little more before we go there. Get back to me OK?

thanks
aloha
calvin

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Yes it acts as though it is going to lock then locks back. It does not actually unlock though. I can not get the door open. Even if I use my key from the outside or try to manually unlock it. The lock thing on the door moves, but nothing inside the door moves to allow it to open.  (sorry you are talking to a woman I am doin my best)

The day it happen my friend went to shut my door and the door swung back open, the latch was stuck open, so I got out and messed with the latch and thought it was just sticking, then shut the door. Ever since I haven't been able to get it to unlock.

We tried to FORCE the door open, to break it, but man these cars are tough. So I wasn't sure if there is any other way to get in the door panel to replace this? Because you actually need the door open, and that's the issue.

Thank you for all your time and help. It's much appreciated.

Answer
Hi Tarra -

No worries, in fact, your explanations are tons better than some questions I get from guys.

Thank you for explaining what had happened. That tells me a lot. Looks like the latch is jammed where it meets the lock pin on the door jamb. Well, Tarra, this is a tough one. Perhaps there is someway you can get to it by opening the back door and go through the back door jamb - I am not sure. The key is to loosen the pin somehow and free up that latch. Even if you get it a little loose, it will probably unlock the door.

Of course, you can always cut away a portion of the door panel from inside the vehicle, but, of course a new panel will have to be purchased. That would be my suggestion for now, however, would it be possible for you to send me pictures? If so, I need a picture of the panel, a picture of the back door opened and the back of the jamb, and where the back door latches to -

My email is cjiwash@yahoo.com if you are so inclined.

Thanks
Tarra -
calvin