Door lock (actuator) is borked - how do I open the door?

Figured this out myself. The door panel can be removed via the window after removing the three screws that hold it in place. After that the wiring harnesses must be removed, Window removed, and then the internal door panel can be removed. Then you can finally reach inside the door and manually release the mechanism that's supposed to open the door from the handle. At this point most of the work is done. Remove the actuator, and put in a new one.

Hey I've got the same problem as you. I cant open the door from inside or outside. I removed the door panel and window but cant get the actuator to open the door. How did you manipulate the actuator to open the door?

If I recall correctly, when you reach inside the door to where the lock mechanism is (part of the actuator) you can flip it manually. Either than or I was able to do it by manipulating the cable that goes to it (pulling/pushing it). But in my case the spring wasn't pushing the mechanism back to where it was supposed to go (to release it I think), so pulling the cable didn't help (it was already in the "pulled" position). I think it was just a question of flipping it back with my fingers. Hope this helps.

Thanks for your response. Unfortunately I tried all of those methods with no luck. I'm thinking ive got to get inside the pillar and drill out the bolts holding the hook that the actuator locks onto to release the door. Im at a loss when it comes to opening the door to access the actuator bolts. Do you have any ideas outside of going to the fire department to use their jaws of life?

I think the key is likely with the mechanism shown in the photo. On mine, this was stuck in the down position (or at least mostly down) (as my finger is holding it down). If you can reach in and get it to pop up, you should be good to do. You might have to cycle it with the door handle or by pushing it up and down. If yours is not stuck, then you may have some other issue. Maybe a broken cable? In which case you should still be able to move it manually I would think. I'll attach a second photo in the "up" position.

"up" position

My Mechanic told me too take the post off the battery and it resets itself

Did it work after resetting the battery? I'm having the same issue.

No, battery reset did nothing for me. If you view the thread above, you'll see that I had to pull the panel and open everything up to manually release the door latch from inside the door. Can be done, but it's a pain in the butt. I actually had to replace the actuator 4 times in the past 2 years (only on that door). Replaced all the seals too, so I don't think crap was getting in there to wreck it. No idea. Finally got rid of the car.

Is anyone looking to still fix this issue because I have solved this problem

Yes please!

Yes please help