jdub907

I removed my driver door inner panel to repair electric seat buttons. That went well. Now my door will lock when I close it and I notice the push down vertical button wont rise as high as it used to. I believe the button wont rise high enough to unlock the door. If on occasion it does, it locks only this door when I close the door. It only moves slightly upward. The passenger door works fine. The door will unlock from inside using the handle, but I notice it takes a bit more force to open it. And when I get out and close the door it locks.
I think maybe I bent or misaligned the rod connected to the lock button by allowing the weight of the door panel to rest on the rod.
Have you seen this? Does anyone have experience fixing this? I know I need to remove the panel again, but before I do, I want more knowledge. Thanks.

Rudeney

I'd pull the door panel off and check things. The linkage between the inside handle and the door lock can be removed - you just have to manipulate the plastic grommet that holds it in place.

jdub907

Right. I just need to go back in there and double check everything. It certainly seems mechanical. Currently using my emergency key to unlock driver door.
Thank you.

alk247

It is possible that you did not seat the panel all the way on the metal bracket below the glass, and it is pushed a bit away from the door itself. This would jam the knob. If it is the case, you jut need to unclip the panel, lift it a bit on the end towards the door opening, push towards the door and then down.

jdub907

Sounds good alk247. I will check that. Thank you.

alk247

Good luck with this panel. When I removed it I managed to break the small plastic stud on the triangle trim piece in the corner. It was more than a year ago. I still didn't fix it, so I know what you are dealing with.