How can I get drivers door open with bad actuator

New to the forum; but need assistance.

Have a 2004 Tacoma 4-dr, front drivers door actuator will not release lock to allow me to open door to even begin to take the panel off.

Can anyone offer helpful tips to releasing actuator without being able to open door?

 

So the door is locked and can't be unlocked?
Or the door is unlocked and the the release won't activate ?

No remote?
Door handle feels loose?
Unlock lever flops around?
Need some more info.

 

Came outside to unlock truck using door remote, all doors unlocked but drivers door did NOT unlock and will not unlock even using key.

Outside unlock lever flops around; inside lever pulls but doesn't do anything.

 

sounds like the plastic doo-dad clip (technical term) broke and the linkage arm is disconnected.

I don't know if a slim jim would work to open it or not but I doubt it if its disconnected from the linkages

maybe roll the window down all the way and see if you can reach in through the crack and hook the arm lever with a bent metal coat hanger to unlock it

 

Something is broke inside. My door has a bad actuator and still locks and unlocks with the key, just not with the power locks.

 

Try that it wouldn't release no matter how hard pull up on it.

 

I just tried that still nothing

 

I have had 5 or 6 over my career and they all sucked.

Everyone was different.

Some involved removing drivers seat and popping the panel with some stressing of the panel.
Pulling the top of the panel over the top lip and going in with long bars.

There is no set procedure. You have to get inventive.
I will give you one hint.
Take the other side apart to study.
Good luck.

 

What he said ^^^