Expert: Mike Potter - 3/18/2008

Question
The lock on the passenger side front door of my 92 corolla seems to be rusted into the locked position.  I have taken the inside panel off, and tried to manually hammer to the unlocked position.  And sprayed alot of wd-40 on the whole thing.  The actual mechanism is partially covered by a metal flange. The inside latch doesn't seem to be "hooked up" right either.  Anything else to try?

Answer
Put the latch in lock position, then tap with your hammer lightly. Unlock your door and try again, repeat if needed. What has happened is the latch is dry and/or corroded and the lock is stuck partially closed. Keep working it and oiling at the same time, it will open.