Force Open a Stuck car door to get Access to Repair

I fixed a car door on a 2006 Toyota Matrix, but this method should work for many other cars. From the comments we learned it didn't work for a Ford Focus and a 1996 Camry. I couldn't open the door from the inside or the outside so I couldn't get the interior panel off to get access to fix. In this car the door needs to be open to remove the interior door panel as the perimeter of the panel is secured by the closed door. All the videos I found on YouTube started repairs with an open door and access. I literally tried everything else. I bought a endo scope to look inside the door and also used a utility knife to cut out a piece of the interior panel to get some access. When done I made a fiberglass repair to fix the panel that I cut. However, if you just follow what I did on this video you would not need to cut open your door panel or repair it! Hope this video saves other people's time and frustration. I did learn from a comment that it didn't work on a Ford Focus, so please share if it works or doesn't work for your particular car.

Here is link for the air wedges I used. If you use this link, it will support my channel with no increase cost to you:

Here is the replacement mechanism that I purchased for under $50

Here is one of many good videos on how to replace the lock assembly once the door is open!

[jamesprice]

I’m really glad I randomly came across your video. I have a 2011 Jeep grand Cherokee with the exact same problem on my passenger front door that has been this way for almost a year now. I’ve tried everything possible without carving out the inside panel, so I just bought these this morning and I’m praying this solves the issue! I know my wife is tired of crawling to her seat to ride shotgun, ha.

[gara.oficial_]

This Vídeo os amazing! The only video on youtube teaching exactly How to solve this problem

[KS-jyhl]

Thanks David 🙏
I have the same issue on an Audi Q7 rear door and was about to use the oxygen cutter. Legend 🙌

[MsElizabeth]

Omg !! I have to try this !! Very good tip

[klkennel]

Hello I have a 2001 Toyota Camry and would like to try this but wanted to know will this break my locks and will I have to replace the locks once this is done?

[jenniferrosa]

Great one. Even if it doesn't work for some, it's another option

[asandl]

Thank you so much for making this! It may solve my problem.

[primusocr]

Fantastic idea! TY for the tip! Unfortunately, it does not work on my 1996 Toyota Camry passenger door, even using 4 bags. I'm going to keep trying and will update if I manage to get it open.

[wassimbouayad]

Does it break the mechanism? I’m selling my car which has this issue (i think it’s the cables inside the panel) and i spent so much on it i just want it gone. I’m wondering if this willow me to open it or if it will break the lock and i’ll have to replace it after.

[Ghst]

Just ordered some ! My door mechanism is completely shut closed. Doesn’t open inside or outside. I ripped off my door panel and I still can’t get the dang thing to open ! Hopefully this works ! 😢

[carlosguerrero]

Once you had it cracked open were you able to use something like a screwdriver to pop the latch open? Or did the wedges open it completely?

[spikyparkour]

So was the actuator the thing you broke to get the door out?

[queenbuger]

Hello David, it just happened to me, I will order the bag and try, one quick question, the link you provided have two options to buy, any idea what is the different, I assume you purchased the option, right ? Thankyou.

[serguei]

David, Does it work to Toyota Solara 2003 ? Thx

[Tiger-jnr]

Another trick is to remove the back seat base and this should give you access to remove the door panel an try and open from inside door

[amandacastellano]

Im a mom to 3, the door on my chevy cruze has been stuck for 4 years. We have tried absolutely everything to get it open and I gave up.

I saw this video randomly and thought "there's no way. It's not going to work" but as a last ditch effort and sheer desperation (having 2 in car seats with one back door is miserable) I ordered the air bags off Amazon. They were delivered at 9pm its now 9:22 and I finally have all four doors in my car working. It took me less than 20 mins!!! I've spent hours on this thing trying different approaches.

Thank you soooo much for posting!!!

[exoblizzard]

Do you think it will work on a BMW car? I thought it needs much more force for the lock to break than that. In mine, the mechanism inside is stuck somehow and won’t let open the driver’s door.