Removing rear door panel with a locked door

[JFO]

The rear driver door is stuck in the locked position and will not unlock, either manually or by the door switch. I can't get the door panel off to fix it without opening the door! I searched and found some 850 references but they don't seem to apply to the S70. The weatherstrip/trim butt's up to the panel and will not permit the panel clips to disengage. I've removed the seat cushion and various plastic trim pieces but there doesn't seem to be a way. I'm thinking it may be necessary to unbolt the hinges and remove the door.

Any other idea's? I have a new lock assembly on hand if needed. I think the solenoid may be gone.

[byeboy]

Does it not have the little pop=up door lock things on the window "sill"? Have you tried turning the child lock switch to 'off'? A locksmith (got AAA?) can slip his tool down between the exterior side of the window, hook the appropriate rod in there and give it a tug...at least they do it on front doors all the time.

You can also make a "Slim Jim" yourself (bound to be instructions on the web...try You Tube)., use a couple wood shims and a flashlight, and get to it. Use the wedges and light on the good door to see exactly what part need to be pulling which way.

[JFO]

The lock is frozen in the "locked"position, so pulling up on the lock knob doesn't work. I pulled the other side panel earlier and the only part that can be accessed by a tool is the bottom of the rod that the knob is attached to. Pulling on the rod is the same as pulling on the knob, so no luck there.

Thanks for trying! Anyone else encountered this?

[byeboy]

OK...the "IF NOTHING ELSE WORKS" radical approach...

1. Find a matching door panel (my Craigslist usually has a couple individuals with them "down for parts" in their yards before they finally have the scrapper come pick them up...cheaper than the junkyards).

2. Destroy the original panel at a spot you have determined by looking at the other door (small mirrors might assist in seeing the exact problem) (This is where one of those BIG hole saws would be great...might even do a clean enough cut to glue back in place when finished). Cut through the door panel.

2. Then, If you need to pass through the steel, (and you didn't get a big hole saw that would cut metal)) a saber/jig saw with fine toothed metal blade, even a Dremel if you want to go slow. I'd think about a 6" hole.

3. Having exposed the trouble spot, then repairing it, I'd put a simple sheet metal patch over my hole with a few pop rivets holding it...it'll be easy to remove should the need EVER arise again.

4. Put the freshly acquired panel on...no one will ever know!
Depending on the size/location of the hole, you may be able to hide it by screwing a speaker grill over the wound, perhaps painted to match the upholstery.

[JFO]

Thanks for the comments byeboy. It will be easier I think to just remove the door hinges While it will be still engaged at the latch side, it should allow the door to swing out enough to release the panel clips and lift it out. Hopefully, I can then disengage the lock and open the latch. Then I can put the door back on the hinges and carry on with the repair. Something is jamming the simple release mechanism in the lock assembly...perhaps the solenoid is jammed. I can remove it after the door is opened.