by markcorolla, September 28, 2004
'99 Corolla LE - power door lock is sticky - sometimes, it closes and opens fine, other times it tries, but doesn't quite lock or unlock all the way. Seems like I just need to clean it up, I'm thinking tuner cleaner? Question is how do I remove the door panel to get at the mechanism??
This is my first problem with this car, otherwise, it is perfect!
I had the same problem with my Corolla a few years ago. I just removed the inner door panels, sprayed some silicone lubricant on the lock mechanism, and it worked fine.
You have to remove the screws that hold the armrest and door-opening mechanism, ****uming it is the same as older Corollas. Then you have to pry the perimeter edge of the panel off. They're attached to the door frame with plasitc clips that need to be pulled straight out.
Once inside, you will have to peel the polyethylene plastic sheet from the frame to access the guts inside. Lube it up, put the plastic sheet back, snap the panel back into place, and replace the door handle screws.
It's tedious work, but it isn't really difficult. Good luck.
