[colinzj]

Usually you can get the lock unstuck, but you'll want two people.

Position one person on the outside. They need to push the door into the body as far as possible. Position the other person on the inside. While the person outside is pushing, the inside person needs to unlock the door by hand.

This works on ZJs as well. Obviously it won't help if the lock rod has somehow wedged itself against part of the door frame, but if it's just the mechanism acting up, I've used it successfully a dozen times.

If you absolutely can't come up with a helper, it's possible but nowhere near as easy to do it yourself by grabbing the armrest with one hand and doing the lock with the other.

[xwhizx]

Ok i got the panel off!! But now I've got a bigger problem...its the actual lock I think. How the hell can I override it to UNLOCK so I can remove it?? The door is shut and it is in the locked position. If I tug on the gray bar, its like it doesn't even move. I can't pull it hard enough to force the unlock. Suggestions?

[BucYouUp68]

Soak it with Marvel Mystery oil, It will budge.

[xwhizx]

Can you be a little more specific? What part should i soak? I can BARELY see the backend of the lock.

[xwhizx]

There seems to be NO WAY to unlock the latch keeping the door closed. Does anyone know an "override" tip to get it to unlock?

[BucYouUp68]

Just soak the whole mechanism with fluid, let it sit and try to work the lock back in fourth.

[xwhizx]

I have FIXED the door. Thanks to everyone who helped!

SOLUTION:

I had someone pull as hard as they could on the LOCK gray bar as I pulled on the handle outside, and the door came open. Took out the acuator and found out that one of the gears controlling the lock portion was bent. Instead of trying to bend it back and cause further problems, I decided to replace the entire actuator. Online I found it for $50+ shipping, but the local dealer here had it for $70 including tax. So I got it from the dealer and put it in. Works great!

Thanks again!