I replaced 4 way window switch on driver door and when I put back together I think the cable that goes to the lock on inside door handle came loose. It is now locked and cannot open from inside or outside. I cannot remove door panel since it's locked. I have tried slim Jim with no luck. The exterior door handle cable is still attached as I can move it with slim jim. Any ideas?

 

Green plastic retainer broke. So cable to lock at door handle is not working. Door panel is installedso I can't get at cable and door is locked and will not open with key, fob, handles in and out. How do I get it open to fix green retainer for lock cable???

 

I think the easiest option is to unscrew the screw on the handle and from the top left corner force it off and snap it off the clips, you have to bend the top of the panel, but you have a small gap from the top to put the clipremover and rip the cable off the handle.

 

Won't it unlock with the remote?

The cables do fall off the little green thing.

 

All the other doors unlock with remote but not driver.

 

Dang that's a tough one, I could tell you roughly how to fix it if you can get the door open (having just replaced my handle and it is easy), but I don't know how to open a door that won't unlock. Perhaps call an Acura dealer or locksmith and see what they say? Maybe more fishing with the slim jim and you'll get lucky to catch it.

The 'green' plastic cable retainers on the handles are now colored black (I've seen white too, see my pictures), and if you break one (which is easy) you have to replace the entire internal door lock handle because the retainers are part of the handle mechanism. I can tell you that the door lock handle part number (driver's side) is 72160-SJA-013ZB and best price I found online was $101 + tax and shipping (dealer price is $145.82). "L" (left) is driver's side and "R" (right) is passenger side for U.S. cars, so make sure you order the correct one. I saw one on ebay for $62, but the cable retainers were missing. There are 3 screws that hold the internal door lock handle to the panel.

Good luck and let us know how you solve it.

New door handle back (Driver's side)

New door handle front (Driver's side)

Passenger side with cables attached

 

Sounds more like an electrical cable's come detached somewhere.

Here's a really daft idea - can you not use a key in the external door lock?

You might need to force it carefully - they seize up and the solenoid drags a bit.

 

Ever figure a way to open the door and get the handle fixed?

 

I imagine he used the key in the end.