GarageGuy9

Hello Everyone

I have a 2000 Lexus RX300. The right rear door lock is totally jammed in the locked position. The lock is totally frozen and while you can force the plastic piece into the unlocked position the actuator is still not releasing the lock. So I can't get the door panel off to replace the actuator assembly as I can't get the door to open. Any ideas on how to release the lock? Thanks

ricco750

C4, at all four corners. Just kidding. I have a very intimate relationship with all 5 actuators in my RX, having replaced the two fronts long ago, and then all 5 of them about a year ago. So, right now the only access you have is the inside door latch assembly. Remove the trim piece from around the latch, and then unbolt the latch assembly so that it is hanging by the cables. Pull like hell on the cables until something gives. If you have already done this, my apologies for being redundant. I'm pretty sure this is the only ingress you have. You may have to get a new latch assembly, who knows. Let us know what happens, good luck.

salimshah

You have only two ways to unlock, doo-lock-actuator (key-fob, or door-lock-button-front) or the cable release (thumb-lock-at-the door).

You can get potentially more release-lock force by removing the door release mechanism and then undoing the cable. Then try the push pull action on the cable AGAINST THE sheath.

Just in case the child lock is on, you should attempt to open the door from the outside too.

Check with local locksmith if they can release the rear door and worst case is to forcibly remove the inside panel.

Salim

GarageGuy9

Ended up having to cut a small section of panel behind the latch so I could access the cables to unlock the door. Fortunately there is a padded insert there that you can pull out and put back that covers the hole. Thanks very much for the help....

GarageGuy9

salimshah

Awesome!

Salim