Pontiac Repair: door problem, jaws of life, tight quarters

Question
Hi, I have a 1991, 2 door grand prix, 3lt.
The driver door will not open from the inside or outside. The power locks seem to operate properly. (i hear and see both lock and unlock)Windows also work perfectly. The key will also not turn in the door lock (it will in the passenger side)
any help in how to get the door open (without the "jaws of life" would be greatly appreciated.
thanks  bud

Answer
Hey Bud:

This was a common issue back in the day on these cars. The latch would seize up and then your stuck crawling over the seats to open the door! Did the outside door handle break first or did it stop working at the same time? The only real way to get the door open is to remove the inside door trim from inside the car. THIS IS A REAL PAIN because of the tight quarters between the door trim and the seat. Try to minimize the breakage of the door trim while doing this. Inevitably the trim will break in one or 2 places due to trying to get it off the door... Once you achieve this your going to have to reach into the door and spray the latch up with a good penetrating oil like PB blaster and let it soak for a while then use a long bent all or pick and try to release the latch. you will see where the inside door handle linkage attaches pull on that lever and the door should open hopefully. Good Luck :)