Driver side rear door stuck on 1997 Pathfinder...Have repeatedly tried locking and unlocking power locks, but has no effect. Outside door handle seems to not be 'pulling' anything (?) when we try to use it...moves but with no resistence. Any ideas on how to get the door open?? And/or what the problem may be?
Both rear doors on ours have been an ongoing issue. With 2 to 3 labs that suffer major heartbreak if they can't jump in those backseats every day, today, we had a breakthrough! After working really hard to remove the inside liner with the door closed, lubricating everything I could shine a light on, it got clear the "sticking" part is the linkage down from the outside handle to the latch and lock mechanism. there are 2 round grommets that will improve your access with spray lube to them, but I was able to "fix" the other side of the car with the door closed, just by holding the outer handle open and flooding the inside with spray lube while working the handle. It got so that it would snap shut (as it should) when I released it! So.....don't be afraid to try the easy way first.
Take a piece of 8 gauge steel suspended ceiling wire about 18 in long and bend a 90 degree angle 1 inch form the end of the wire. This wire is pretty stiff, you need it this cause you have to push down on the door latch with it. Directly below the outside door handle, slide the wire between the window seal and the glass while turning it 90 -120 degrees toward the rear of the truck. Hold the door handle out and fish around for the latch actuator, (it is shaped sort of like a funnel) push down on it and the door should open. Pathfinder rear doors are prone for corrosion in this mechanism - be patient and you will get it open. Once its open, remove the inner door panel. There will be a small rod about 2-1/2 or 3 inches long, it should be connected to the door handle at the top and the bottom of the rod fits into the funnel shaped actuator. Spray with PB Blaster penetrating oil and work the corrosion free, once freed up spray actuator and rod mechanism with White Lithium Grease. Make sure the door locks and unlocks properly by using a screwdriver to close the latch, it has 2 detents in the latch make sure the second detent latches. Work the lock and it should open when it is supposed to and stay closed when locked. If it does not work right with the outside door handle, check to make sure the rod is in place properly. Once you are satisfied reassemble door panel and your done.
Go inside, lift on handle, then beat the **** out of the door pounding it like your trapped in it trying to get out. latch mechanism is probably corroded and froze shut. once open, spray with wd40 and work the lever a lot. then get door panel off to see if handle is broken inside
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