Expert: Don Berlan - 6/26/2006

Question
I replaced the door lock actuator.  That was TOUGH to get to.  But after placing it and putting everything back in it's place (before putting the cover back on the door), I had to close the door to test it. When I closed the door, the door lock worked perfectly, going up and down with the remote. But when I tried to open the door, it wouldn't open.  I can't open it from the inside or outside handles.  It's as if it is stuck in the "lock" position even though the lock button is going up and down. The door is closed now and it is very difficult to work from the inside.  :)
1) How can I open the door?  
2) Is there a way to "fake" the car into thinking the door is closed so I can test it before actually closing the door?
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Followup To

Question -
1998 323IS Coupe
The passenger side door lock will not operate correctly using either the remote or the interior unlock/lock button. You hear a "click" when using the remote or interior center panel lock/unlock button, but the knob does not move. To lock it, you must manually push the door lock down.  The only way to unlock it is to use the key on the outside. You can not even use the handle inside to unlock it. I removed the door panel and all looks to be connected (bar is not detached), but the bar will not move when using the remote or interior button. After I removed the door panel, it worked for a little while, then stopped when a passenger manually pushed the knob down.  After that, it would not remotely work.
What can cause this?  What is a "Door Lock Actuator" and could be the cause?
Your help is appreciated

Answer -
The door lock actuator is what actually moves the locking rod.You probably are going to need one.You say it sounds like its moving but isn't working unless you manually do it.I'd say replace the motor

Answer
Is the latch working properly?Is the rod that operates the latch working?Having the door closed does present a problem.I don't know without looking at it.Take your time and look over the installation that you did,something I think was left off or not hooked up right