Drivers side door won't unlock intermittently
 

So I was stuck inside my car because the door wouldn't unlock. I had to open the window and use the key to get it open. Easier option then trying to climb across to the other side. I can hear the module working when I hit the door button or fob, but door doesn't unlock. Only the key opens it up. Doesn't happen all the time. Did anyone experience an issue like this and can share with me the solution, or anyone with ideas that can help me troubleshoot this issue? Locking the door works everytime.
Thank you

Thanks so much for responding. I will go to the link.

You can unlock the door manually with the tab by the inside door handle. It's not necessary to use the key to get out.

I had the door control module replaced twice on my 2001 when the driver's door had the same symptoms as yours. It was under warranty then so that made it an easy choice.

I'm really trying not to :lol: at this ... I really am ! But I thought that'd be obvious to anyone that's driven any car for more than a few months.

you would be surprised as to what people do, or how little practical automotive knowledge they have.

People using regular octane fuel on a regular basis on a car with a high compression ratio. Some people use Dino oil in a car that has an engine that requires special heat additives in the oil, since it runs by design much hotter than a conventional engine. People put 63 psi in their tires because it says 63 psi Max on the sidewall.

So some people will crawl out of the window if their doors are locked... Can I justify it? Hell no, but my brother a college graduate, uses nails to hang things on dry wall . and wonders why those things fall... he uses a hammer to drive in screws. He would give you the shirt off his back and has victim tattooed on his forehead. Nicest guy in the world.

Its funny and sad, all at the same time.

ET is right.
I think many of us remember this sad, sad, VERY sad story of the gentleman who could not get out of his C6 due to not knowing about the manual door releases on the floor.
http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/n...ette/71053474/

OP: My 2000 had the issue a few times.
But knock on wood, it cleared up, and has stayed consistent.
I probably just cursed myself.

I am going to look for the tab as you explained. I read that terrible story about the C6 , I didn't know the C5 had the emergency release. Thanks so much for sharing. Greatly Appreciated.

It's not an emergency release - it's a 2 - 3 inch long vertical manual tab right behind the inside door handle

To tell you the truth I thought you were talking about a different release that I didn't know about. The manual tab is obvious and it didnt work either that's why I had to open the window. Can anyone help me trouble shoot now knowing the manual button doesn't work either. When I go to flip it doesn't go all the way. I should have explained the issue in more detail. Thanks

Will do. I will take the door panel off over the weekend and follow the rods. Thank you

Ah makes sense then ... seems you didn't have a choice but to unlock from outside. :cheers:

So I removed the door panel and looked for any signs of binding that would keep the manual flip switch from opening the door lock. I didn't see anything that was obvious. Do you guys think I should replace the Lock latch power actuator ? Of course I couldn't duplicate the issue while I have it apart. Thank you