96 Buick Regal door won't open

[96RegalHeadache]

For a couple of years my son's passenger door won't unlock. I cannot force the lock up with either my hand or the key. I don't know the inner workings of the car door lock mechanism but would a slim jim possibly work to unlock the car? The few resources I have found online say the passenger seat needs to come out to remove the door panel to figure things out. I would leave it be but something is draining the battery and I want to get access to the fuses so the door needs to be opened. Otherwise it only has about 70K miles and drives great.

 

[DrivenDaily]

If you have time, try spraying a penetrating oil like Kroil or other brand to see if the latch and/or lock mechanisms loosen up. Then just wait for it to work.

 

[96RegalHeadache]

Thanks!! Where would you spray the oil? Just into the lock cylinder?

 

[DrivenDaily]

That might help the cylinder itself, at least for the short term, but locks should not be lubed with liquid. If they're bound up, anything will do to get it moving, but it ultimately should be taken out and rebuilt properly. Otherwise, the liquid can easily attract dust, dirt, and other grunge that will clog it up again.

I'd start by spraying into the LATCH itself since that is where the locking actually takes place. You need to free it up, and penetrating fluid is what will do the most good.

 

[Sal Collaziano]

For a couple of years my son's passenger door won't unlock. I cannot force the lock up with either my hand or the key. I don't know the inner workings of the car door lock mechanism but would a slim jim possibly work to unlock the car? The few resources I have found online say the passenger seat needs to come out to remove the door panel to figure things out. I would leave it be but something is draining the battery and I want to get access to the fuses so the door needs to be opened. Otherwise it only has about 70K miles and drives great.

Welcome! Just noting that this topic has been moved out of the community lounge and into the Buick Regal forum.