My rear driver's side door lock is malfunctioning. It frequently won't lock unless manually pushed down. After doing a search, I have most likely confirmed that it is a bad lock mechanism. My question is this: Does anyone know how to remove the door panel and fix the problem? How hard is it, what will I need, and where can I find the part? I searched several sites and couldn't find the lock mechanism part? Do I have to get it from the Dealer? Thanks.

 

Pretty much Dealer only on the Parts.

The Door panel is easy to remove. One screw T-25 under cover by the Grab handle to close the door.

Then there is pins on the bottom. Push in one click on the center piece and pull the clip out.
Then the panel should tilt out on the bottom then lift off.

 

Great, thanks tech. Hopefully I will get to it soon.

 

had the same problem tonight myself. Door pin will not go down when using the fob, have to lock it manually using the key. It will not unlock using the fob either. I believe there is a security feature thus: when I used the fob to lock the car all door except the drivers door locked - that is the pins on the doors went down but not the drivers side, however after about two minutes I heard a solenoid clunk and even though the pin didn't drop the drivers door was locked.
Anyway I figured how to get the door panel off ok - that was the easy it. How on earth do you get the locking mechanism out, I undid the three screws (T30 bolts) at the side of the door which hold the mechanism but it appears to be trapped behind the window guide.
Has anyone actually removed one of these themselves - I'd like to hear from someone who has rather than hear "it should come out easy" - If you haven't done it and you say that then you should try it !!

 

You have to remove the 2 screws for the Door Handle and slide the Handle out some to allow the Lock rod to slide out of the Lock assembly.

 

Mine cured itself after a while.
It must have been dirt in the locking mechanism.
Lucky thing too - I rang the dealer and he said it would be £100 for the mechanism itself and £80 for fitting.
He said it was definitely faulty and would need replaced. Well I wasn't about to pay out £180 , anyway that was before I had a look at it myself and squirted some WD40 at it from inside. It started working on and off about a month after that and then it worked everytime about a month later.
Morale - be patient !! (unless your'e loaded)