The driver's side door won't unlock, and the handle on the passenger's side is broken... HELP!?

Question

We can't get in my husband's car! The passenger's side handle only works from the inside, and the driver's side won't unlock. It wouldn't unlock the other day and we thought it was because it was so cold out - some hot water and effort got it. But now even when it's nice out we can't get it to unlock, and we need in the car. Any idea how to get it? It's a 1987 Mercury Grand Marquis.

To clarify - the passenger door opens from the inside, so we can get out, but he ends up opening it from the inside or rolling down the window so I can. The driver's door opens no problem normally, but we can't get it to unlock. And if we're supposed to go through the trunk, how do we get THROUGH the seat?

Answer 1

being that this car is a bit older, i would suggest that you get some lock-lubricant spray. stick it in the lock (where you put the key) and spray it a bit. that will help.

also, as this car is aged, i would suggest that the door panel be removed, and ALL the moving parts in the handle and lock mechanisms be oiled as well. i would also suggest that when you get the driver's side door open, oil the latching mechanism that closes the door as well. (on the door edge, looks like a little hook.)

the 84 blazer i got a hold of was similar. could barely roll down the windows. after removing the panels, and lubricating EVERYTHING, the mechanisms in the doors work great now.

Answer 2

Spray some WD40 0nthe key and insert it in the lock. Repeat a few times so the lock is thoroughly lubricated. Leave overnight, re lubricate, and try to work the lock. If it doesn't work, pulling the inner workings is a complicated job involving removing the handles, arm rests and window controls, then prising the inner cover off with a flat blade knife to pull up the fastening clips. You can then access the mechanism. Your problem is the actual lock. What I'd do is go to a wrecking yard and get another lock and inner handle cheaply and replace the ones you have. Hopefully the WD will work.

Answer 3

I do autobody as a profession.It seems likely that the door mechanisms are stuck from lack of lubrication.Somewhere down the line,they will need to be freed up.The door panels should be removed and everything that moves needs to be drenched in WD40 or something similar.
For now,I would spray some directly into the drivers door lock and on the key.Hold the key with a pair of pliers and gently turn it back and forth in the lock,working it free hopefully.Spray lots of lubricant inside the doors by lifting the handles up and finding an entrance.Then work the handles up and down many times .As a last resort,pounding one's fist continuously on the door near the handle will often shake things back into place and help free things up.

Answer 4

Some cars have a passage way into the back seat from inside the trunk. You can move the back seat out through the trunk but you need to look for a catch near the back wall of the trunk. Hope this helps. Have you tried spraying WD40 on the lock?

Answer 5

Looks like you're going to have to crawl in through the boot (trunk if you're American) and open it up from the inside. Make an appointment at the repair shop to get it fixed as soon as possible, as it's dangerous if you have an accident and can't get out of one of the doors.

Answer 6

With a name like Grand Marquis, you'd think one of the features would be access. Help, we can't get into our 2 decade old car. Take it back to the dealer and express your puzzlement over the fact that a 7,000 day old car is broken.

Answer 7

Lift door handle. Stick a long thin screw driver in hole near the door handle. Try to pop up the lock.
Car AAA .

Answer 8

Well that's a pretty big perdicament (did I spell that right?) The only thing I can think of is to

1. pick the lock

2. call a locksmith

3. break the window (expensive)

sorry I'm not too much help

Answer 9

Call a tow company with unlocking service.

Answer 10

Call your local locksmith they should be able to get it open for you in a jiffy...might cost you though!