Author Topic: Toyota Camry door won't lock  (Read 7613 times)

Lifeblood

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Toyota Camry door won't lock
« on: July 24, 2014, 04:20:02 PM »
The passenger door in our 2001 Toyota Camry won't lock as of today. The lock starts to move, but seems to get hung up about 25% of the way to the fully-locked position. I am tempted to pull off the door panel and see what is happening, but would like to know if there is any risk of getting shocked or something. Also, there is a small panel by the door handle which I assume covers a bolt which holds the panel on - any tips for opening the panel? Seems simple enough, but my flat-head screwdriver didn't easily slide in.

BlueMR2

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Re: Toyota Camry door won't lock
« Reply #1 on: July 24, 2014, 05:07:25 PM »
Won't lock when pushed manually, or when power lock system is used?

Lifeblood

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Re: Toyota Camry door won't lock
« Reply #2 on: July 24, 2014, 05:55:07 PM »
Neither manual nor power lock.

db_cooper

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Re: Toyota Camry door won't lock
« Reply #3 on: July 24, 2014, 10:40:15 PM »
You should be able to remove the door panel without bothering to disconnect the battery, but if in doubt,  just disconnect it.  If it starts to move, it's probably just sticky,  some lube should fix it right up.

jo552006

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Re: Toyota Camry door won't lock
« Reply #4 on: July 25, 2014, 08:55:58 AM »
If you haven't taken apart a door before (or even if you have) I whole-heartedly reccommend a google search on how to remove it on your car.  You'll find your identical door panel, and more than likely a video of somebody removing it and probably fixing the same issue you have.  Whenever you're working on cars google is your friend...  There are special tools but I have found you can usually do without.  Your door panel is held on (usually) by some sort of clip.  Unless it's screwed all the way around (rare), I'd try to have the clips on hand (they're cheap) prior to removal since you usually need some.  I'd try to have enough for the entire door but expect to have some left over.

I've taken off door panels on almost every car I've owned, and even though I've done it quite a bit I still look online to make sure there aren't any pitfals, or more often screws hidden in spots I wouldn't have thought to look.

I don't tend to disconnect the battery, but it is a good idea, and I really should start.  There are a few horror stories out there regarding air bags, and though the chance is slim for any issue, as said before, "if in doubt, just disconnect it."

Job *shouldn't* be too bad.  Good luck.

Greg

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Re: Toyota Camry door won't lock
« Reply #5 on: July 25, 2014, 10:01:16 AM »
Step one is lube the lock cylinder, where the key goes in.  It may be related.  Step two is to look for a rubber plug on the door edge near the latch to see if you can remove it and lubricate the mechanism.  Use tri flow or something similar, but not WD40 unless it's all you have.

As stated, google will likely show you how.

Joggernot

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Re: Toyota Camry door won't lock
« Reply #6 on: July 25, 2014, 10:13:29 AM »
A quick google search finds several youtube videos on how to do it.  The lock probably just need to be reconnected somewhere.  With the panel off, it should be easy to fix.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9oUho1KLY9o

Rural

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Re: Toyota Camry door won't lock
« Reply #7 on: July 25, 2014, 04:37:32 PM »
Step one is lube the lock cylinder, where the key goes in.  It may be related.  Step two is to look for a rubber plug on the door edge near the latch to see if you can remove it and lubricate the mechanism.  Use tri flow or something similar, but not WD40 unless it's all you have.

As stated, google will likely show you how.


If WD40 is all you have, go get something else. Long term it'll cause rust (if there's any metal involved) and goo buildup and you'll be worse off than now.


I'll also pile on and recommend Google.

DarinC

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Re: Toyota Camry door won't lock
« Reply #8 on: July 26, 2014, 12:56:07 PM »
It's probably the linkage, and you'll be OK taking the door panel off. What you'll really love is when the linkage for the latch breaks. That's a ton of fun.

Anyhoo, when you take the door off try to be careful with the plastic retaining clips or you'll have to buy some more on ebay/go to the junk yard to get some more. Other than that everything (unplugging the power window connectors, removing the plastic cover, removing the clips) should be fairly straightforward.

Lifeblood

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Re: Toyota Camry door won't lock
« Reply #9 on: July 31, 2014, 11:06:47 PM »
Just a little update - the door locks after all, even though the inside latch does not appear to be locked, as it won't move all the way over. It may be that I need a key to lock the outside (I haven't isolated the cure just yet).

davef

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Re: Toyota Camry door won't lock
« Reply #10 on: August 05, 2014, 08:56:14 AM »
There is no risk of shock forom 12v Auto electrical systems.
You can litterally touch both battery terminals at the same time and the resistance of your body is sufficent that 12v cannot push the amperage through your body. If you touch wires to eachother or to metal they may spark but no shock risk.

Take the door skin off. Google a tutorial, if you dont you will likely break some plastic tabs off, which can be expensive and can cause rattles. Its likely the mechanism is binding or bent or perhaps a cable came off of a lever arm. It sould be pretty obvious once you get it off.