I have a 1997 Cherokee Sport 4 door and the front passenger door will not unlock. I have removed the inside door panel, the lock mechanism is well lubricated, it sounds like the lock is engaging/disengaging but I can't open the door due to it remains locked. I have used the door fob, the key and the lock linkage bar but nothing will unlock it. Does anyone have any ideas how I can open my door and what I need to do to prevent this from happening again?

 

I had a similar issue with one of my rear doors.
I had to use a flashlight and mirror to follow the linkages for the handle and lock and manually push a piece on the door latch/lock mechanism with a small screwdriver to open the door and fix it. Due to its location it's very awkward to see inside and then find and push the right part but it seemed to be the only solution.
You will probably find the mechanism is broken if the linkages and everything else seem to move and act normal.



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I had the same problem a few months ago. Lock mechanism (manual locks) wouldnt hardly budge and the door wouldnt open while fidgeting with the lock and handle. I ended up taking the door panel off and spraying some white lithium grease on the moving parts of the door handle and locking mechanism. Put it back together and it began working immediately.

 

Thank you for the help.
After messing with the door for hours I was able to get it open. I believe the door latch went out of adjustment so there was too much force on the latch so it would not move to the open position. The only way I could open the door was by opening the rear door half way, inserting a screwdriver in the door latch and hitting the screwdriver with a mallet and the door popped open! Once I readjusted the latch everything is good.