Hey guys, I posted this in interiors section too, figured I'd try here too.
My door has shut with the lock in the locked position. Now it will not unlock, just comes up a little. I read some threads about this and understand there is probably a spring that is weak or broken, or just needs cleaning. My question is, how in the world do I get the door open now to get to the latch to take it off? The door panel is off , so, I can get to inside of door, but, can't get it to open. Any tricks to get it open? Help please!!

Hey guys, I posted this in interiors section too, figured I'd try here too.
My door has shut with the lock in the locked position. Now it will not unlock, just comes up a little. I read some threads about this and understand there is probably a spring that is weak or broken, or just needs cleaning. My question is, how in the world do I get the door open now to get to the latch to take it off? The door panel is off , so, I can get to inside of door, but, can't get it to open. Any tricks to get it open? Help please!! Inside the door follow the locking rod toward the latch/striker and there should be a smaller rod with a smaller bracket that needs to manually be pushed in the opposite direction to unlock it.

ok, thanks Skip. I'll try that tomorrow. Fingers crossed.

If you VIOLENTLY slam the door lock knob up and down rapidly, it will probably unlock after a bit.

When you finally get it opened, you should remove and clean out you door latch mechanisms to be grease and dirt-free, replace those springs, lube, and re-install. They will be fine (unless they are bent or rusted out)... rare though...

You can find those replacement springs in most catalogs or on ebay... cheap and easy fix that will last another 40 years or so...:yes:

Check and make sure the rod is not jammed that goes to the key lock cylinder.