2014 Double Cab Actuator Motor Replacement - Door Stuck

Hey all,

Been referencing these forums for years and figured there was no better place to ask the following! 3/4 of my door locks have failed over the last year and after reading up on the actuator motor problems I ordered myself 4 new motors to replace. I started with my rear driver side door today and things were going well right up until the end. I replaced the motor in the actuator and had it reinstalled and in the door. I confirmed the power locking function was working while the door was open but didn't think to check the latching action itself before shutting. I shut the door and am now unable to open it from inside or outside. Door panel remained off which makes things a little bit easier but not sure what else to try. Handle pulling from inside and outside moves (pushes down) the metal actuator piece that lives in the plastic groove between actuator and exterior part of door but I'm not getting any door movement.

This seems like the same problem I have (https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/stuck-door-latch-actuator-fix-writeup.531728/) but not entirely sure. Is drilling into the actuator the only option here?

Happy to attach pictures to help explain the situation better if that helps. Thanks in advance!

 

I don't know how to fix the issue specifically, but have you tried unplugging the power that leads to the door lock? Or disconnect the battery. Without any power, the lock should open like a manual lock. That's just my guess.

 

I can't tell if it's locked or the latch itself is causing issues. In this picture, the metal piece in the yellow groove is part of the actuator assembly and is supposed to control the latching (or so I thought). It moves down as expected when pulling the interior or exterior handles but alas the door does not open. Any ideas?

 

Can you take a pic from inside the cab? I haven't worked on the door lock stuff, but the door lock should be a mechanical latch. If you can reach your hand through the door, you should be able to release it. The handle from the inside should have a direct connection to the latch. The only reason why it wouldn't open is if the door lock is frozen in place or if there is some kind of constant power applied to the lock to keep it in that position. This is why I suggested disconnecting the battery. Did you try that yet?