OT: '92 Camry can't open front door - FIXED!

[sargentrs]

Outside handles broken so been playing the "rod game" for awhile now. Now even that's not working, inside handle either. It's like it's locked but the locking mechanism moves when I actuate it by the electric lock. Everything seems to move but can't get it to unlatch. Anybody got any ideas on how to get the latch mechanism "triggered" or removed from the inside of the car. It's my DD and I really hate crawling in on the passenger side and over the console to drive. I've RIPPED the inside door panel off so I can get my hand in there. Any advice, not matter how far fetched, would be greatly appreciated.

[BobbyFord]

Get a light and mash your head inside the door and get a look at the latch. Pry on everything that looks like a lever. I had a similar issue with a deck latch on a riceball. I mangled the latch to death until it let go and then I replaced it.

[67mann]

Randy....maybe this bing search will point ya in the right direction http://www.bing.com/search?q=camry+door ... =AS&sk=AS2

If ya havn't allready

[sargentrs]

Can't get my big fat head in there Bobby but I've been doing what damage I can. The outside handle was missing when I bought it so I can get to it with a long screwdriver and a prybar. If I can't get it to break loose the next step will be to cut a piece out of the door and try to get a hacksaw in there and cut through the latch ring.

Yep, Jerry, that sounds like the problem but nobody offered a solution. I was hoping there might be an alternate mechanism like opening the trunk from the inside with a screwdriver. Thanks for the Bing!

I've ordered a replacement latch and exterior handle. Maybe with one I my hand I can better decide on a plan of attack. Apparently it's a known issue cause parts are readily available, cheap, and how to videos are plentiful. With the door open of course

[sargentrs]

Get a light and mash your head inside the door and get a look at the latch. Pry on everything that looks like a lever. I had a similar issue with a deck latch on a riceball. I mangled the latch to death until it let go and then I replaced it.

Thanks to BobbyFord's brilliant suggestion, it's fixed now. I fiddled with it and stared at it until I felt like I hit something that was keeping it from actuating. Then set a large flat head screwdriver on top of that cam and SMACKED it with a hammer a couple of times. Something gave and then I tripped another lever the door opened. After I got the latch out and examined it, I figured out the system. There are 3 cams that actuate the latching mechanism and the locking mechanism. Two of the cams operate the lock whether by key from the outside or lock button on the inside. This actuates a cam that trips a stop under the latching mechanism to keep it from flipping all the way down to open the latch. Somehow, we accidently locked it the other night in the snowstorm and it got stuck. Now that I know how it works, I believe I can trip it even if it locks again. New parts are ordered and I'll fix it right when they come in. Thanks to all for their help and advice!

[BobbyFord]

Sweet!
Glad you got it fixed.

[Mancar1]

Things like that can really drive ya nuts. Happy for ya for getting it figured out Yes Bobby gives good advice

[jimmy828]

we knew you would get-er-done !

[flyboy2610]

[sargentrs]

Thanks, guys!