Kia Optima Door Stuck - How I Fixed the Lock and Actuator Problem

[@vladimirnqgolov4227]

Same problem on front passenger side I think i am going to grind this thing in all doors just in case You saved my life

[@BestDamnVape]

Dude!!! Thank you, thank you , thank you!!! This vid was a lifesaver.

[@jeweled172]

Thanks for the upload. I will fix mine tomorrow.

[@FloydMaxwell]

Suggestion - Explain WHAT was broken first. The detail on how you took the door apart should be at the end.

[@jpancrazio]

Yeah seemed like every other thing he broke ... I rather not break anything ..

[@barbb3934]

I have a 2003 Kia Optima and experiencing this EXACT same problem. I am SOOO over having to climb over the passenger side to get in the drivers seat. Based on what you said, did you get several estimates or just the $500/$500?? I don't nescessary need the automatic door look. I'm ok without using the key, but even the key doesn't work. Do you know if there is a way to "DISCONNECT" the POWER locks and just have it manual???? I have put well over $5000K into this car and I bought it from a friend's sister back in the middle of 2016. I do NOT want to have to dish any more money into this car. I am hoping to be able to TRADE THIS IN by the end of next year. The AHA moment was when you mentioned if you get in a broad side accident or fire and can't get out.. that really really scared me. Your video was helpful, I am a woman and not mechincally inclined so I will have to see if a MALE friend can perhaps fix this for me, hopefully soon than later.

[@tmichaelwhalcomb]

Hi Barb, sorry to hear about your similar issues. I don't know of any other way to do this. I'd suggest just following or having someone you trust follow my video here. Best to you as you try to fix this.

[@loun8s398]

Barb Bunton take out the fuse

[@thomasmusgrove7398]

How do you actually get the piece out that needs to be ground down? After unhooking the first rod I'm lost.

[@jamespowers5274]

2005 Kia Optima would not open from inside or outside. Removed fuse for power door lock and was able to get it open after a lot of jiggling of the key and pulling on the door handle. Should be able to remove the door panel and dremel the latch assembly without doing too much damage.

[@fragmentalstew]

How did you actually get the door open?

[@tmichaelwhalcomb]

+FragmentalStew I detail how I got it open in the video. I give a step-by-step to what worked for me.

[@fragmentalstew]

+tmichaelwhalcomb. did your door mechanism have a plastic shell over it? I have a 2005 kia sedona and it has a plastic shell over the door mechanism.

[@patricioovalle6590]

i have that same question!!

[@thriftthewild3936]

@Edward Weigle with the window down, there is enough room between the flashing and the window, to slide a small object down to the actuator where it is sticking (on a 2002 Kia Optima) I used the end of a stiff fishing rod and bumped it against the sticking part of the actuator, and voila...door unlocked. This did take several minutes of having someone else hit the lock/unlock over and over while I watched with a flashlight to figure out where I needed to jam the rod, but it did work, and did it again when I accidently locked it again LOL...make sure you disconnect the lock and take the fuse out once it gets unlocked!

[@godsarmy7080]

Those are tabs that cover the screw heads! You use a Fine Point Pick, or a TINY FLATHEAD Screwdriver, to remove the Tab Cover to have Access to the Screw!

[@chicaking100]

Gods Army. yes you hit that one right on the nose

[@atommota8318]

Update: 2006 Kia Optima, before you rip up your door... try this. 1. take fuse out for door lock (should say where that is on back of fuse box cover) 2. lock door manually 3. insert key in the jammed door and turn to unlock 4 as soon as it makes the sound that it is locking when you turn the key to unlock pull the outside handle (you'll feel a difference in the pull of the handle 5 repeat step 2-4 till it pops open (MAKE SURE YOU KEEP MANUALLY LOCKING IT) 6 then remove door panel 7 replace the the whole lock mechanism or just the lock actuator done.. IF YOU NOT PLAN TO REPLACE THAT PART THEN DONT LOCK THAT DOOR ANYMORE, IF YOU DO YOU'LL HAVE TO KEEP DOING STEP 2-4 AGAIN.

[@tmichaelwhalcomb]

Interesting alternative idea. I tried this, however, and it just didn't work for me. So, the only thing I could figure out is what I showed here. Hopefully your suggestion will work for others though! Thanks for sharing with us.

[@atom0mota]

tmichaelwhalcomb Ya it took me some messing around to make it semi permanent but Ya I'll do Ur method when I get some extra money thanks for the video by the way would of probably been still pissed off at my door if it wasn't up lol

[@seththebeatmxchine]

Atom Mota bro you are my fucking hero. Worked on the first try

[@2many4x4s]

Thanks. 8 degrees below zero and this worked 1st try. Lubed lock mechanism and typed this w/ my nose because the fingers are frozen.

[@josephduggan8235]

Dude thank you so much this only took like 5 minutes way better than ruining your car door lol

[@barbb3934]

Took it to my mechanic and they fixed it for around 250 had to replace the actuator and latch on drivers side. Still sticks a little.

[@phonyspirit]

Awesome, my 2005 Kia Rio just suck driver side door, so annoying

[@tmichaelwhalcomb]

+Chad Wu Glad this could help!

[@chaunceycuster9884]

tmichaelwhalcomb hey bud thanks for the help door was closed so it was a bitch, but once I popped it open with paint opener, Instead of taking the whole assembly off I disconnected two rods so I could get hands in there then I Dremeled the price with it still installed.

[@mrfrankcastle083]

Ask the dealer how much it'll cost to fix your door now, like it was. Probably enought to buy a 2nd car... You did what I'd do. ✔ ✔ ✔

[@tmichaelwhalcomb]

Yep.

[@derickray5472]

Yeah this really helped

[@marcussowers5748]

dont destroy your panel it comes of pretty easy theres another video I seen on youtube that shows you where all the screws are

[@grrgw6161]

what year is this optima?

[@tmichaelwhalcomb]

+Gregg Weiss 2004

[@ziadfawzi]

Thanks a lot.

[@russelldevane5434]

Thats not how you remove a door panel! There is videos on how to remove it properly there's never anything that you have to actually break to get a door panel off of any car ever made.

[@baldwinplayer]

You have misunderstood the situation. When the door is stuck closed, there can be several trim molding obstacles as well as the front seat itself that block access to removing the door panel.

[@ve2ogh]

Pretty bad repair. At least it shows you not what to do!

[@llennon73]

yes destroy the whole door in the process

[@keithfranch2107]

Dude - you screwed up your door panel - You do NOT remove the master door switch panel - you simply remove the door panel and disconnect the wires to the door switch and your done.. There are NO screws holding anything under that switch assembly

[@JustLikeGreta]

Dude pay attention. The door cannot be opened from inside or out. Same problem with my Sedona. It's a catch 22 if you know what that means. Damaging the interior panel is perhaps a requirement. Some people have resorted to destroying the entire door and replacing it with one from a salvage yard. I may choose that route, don't know yet. I may try to grind away the actuator with a Dremel. I may try using a reciprocating saw to cut the door strike if possible. Others have chosen to live with the problem and enter the vehicle through another door. Dealerships are no help. Some people have been locked in the car with this event on every door whereby they were forced to climb out the window opening.