When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
I have had a passenger side door problem already 5-6 years. Whenever you push the outside handle to open it very likely stucks so that you can not get it open whatever you do...sometimes it opens after pushing all handles (outside, inside and lock button) 10-40 times or sometimes next day suddenly.
Now I finally opened the panel and made the inside and outside lock rods a bit longer since both were a bit too short.
Then I decided to test it before putting the panel back...and now it does not open whatever I do...???? How to open it? I have tried all handles and rods and everything from inside also tried striker release with screwdriver, but it does not release.
Anyhow I figure it is the door lock mechanism that is the ultimate problem not the rod lengths. So I just ordered a new mechanism from ZIP.
You'll need a small flashlight and a long thin straight bladed screwdriver. With the window down, reach inside the door with the screwdriver and place the flat of the blade on this lever in the lock mechanism. Use the flashlight to find the sweet spot. Strike the handle sharply with the palm of your hand and the latch will release. It may take a few tries to find the lever and to place the flat of the blade on it, but once you get the hang of it, it works every time.
I remove the latch assembly and clean them thoroughly with a good degreaser. These things get very gummed up over time with dirt and old grease and resist operating smoothly. Once you get the latch thoroughly clean, use a light coating of white grease (lubriplate) and it will give years of excellent service.
Your picture is from the drivers side door, but yes I understand the mechanism should be like mirror on passenger side...
Still it looks like you have a bit different mechanism...or then I just dont find the right levers from mine.
I will post some pictures of mine, maybe you can then give me a advise which lever to hit.
Anyway in your picture do you mean the square item that is just there where the arrow ends and points? And that one I should hit from upper side so that the item is forced downwards?
You do not mean the lever that is connected to the linkage that is connected to lock buttons second rod? Anyhow I tried to hit that downwards as well...
The mechanism in your picture maybe is from a different year model or an aftermarket version...anyhow that handle you show with the red arrow is inside the machanism cover in my model, but it worked when I hitted it downwards.
I will post a better picture of my mechanism.
Now I ried 5-10 times and it always jams and only open with the method you advised, not normally...sooo the new mechanism from ZIP is on its way...