Nissan Repair: door stuck shut, nissan maxima, slimjim

Question
i have a 1996 nissan maxima and the driver door is stuck shut and i cant get it open.i looked down in the door and the rods are moving.i tryed locking and unlocking the door several times both from inside and with the key,and nothing.can you help please, im on a limited budget and cant afford a repair shop.

Answer
Bill,

Usually, when this happens, it is the lock mechanism that is stuck.  You could enlist the help of a locksmith but that would run about $50 bucks to get the door unlocked.  Second, you could get a slimjim and try it for yourself.  Remember, that you need to get the door to unlock.  Now, if you see inside the door and you say the rods move I would work the door lock back and forth several times and attempt to open the door on the unlock mode.  If al else fails you have to remove the door panel and that will screw up the panel since the door is closed.  So, this is a last resort.  With the door opened up you can gain access to all linkages.