Locks and windows work, but passenger door won't open...HELP PLEASE!

Hi folks,
My 2009 Tacoma DC is doing something weird. The electric locks work, the electric windows work, and the locks respond when I use the key. BUT, the passenger door won't open from the inside OR outside. I don't know of a way to get behind the door panel with the door closed. The Stealership wants to break it, along with the lock and handle linkcage, to access the door mechanism and then charge me $1,200 to replace everything. Can anyone think of a way for me to get in there and at least pop the door open so that I can remove the door panel and see what's going on? Thanks in advance.

Cheers,
Mickey

 

Roll the window down and try holding the inside latch open while pulling on the outside one. Sorry, but that's all I can think of. Hopefully someone else will chime in.

 

Activator rod has become dislodged. Easy to fix, but a real pain in the ass to get open.

Roll window all the way down. Use a light, and look for the little lever that the metal rod pulls on to pop the latch. Get a stiff wire and hook that latch. If you need reference, open the other side door and pop off the inner cover. That will show you what to look for.


Edit: if you care to drive up to Rochester, I could fix it for you inside 20 minutes. And I will only charge you a couple of beers.

 

Thanks for the quick replies chilidogrc and rleete! You guys are awesome! I'll try it when I get home.

rleete: I thank you greatly for the generous offer. Heck, I'd love to drive and visit Rochester just for the heck of it. Unfortunately, this being Mother's Day weekend, I'm afraid I'd come home to clean spots on the rug where my stuff used to be if I took a road trip...no matter what the cause. Regardless, you sir, are a gentleman and a scholar. Thanks much.

Respectfully,
Mickey