charlescat

Hi: New Forum member here. The driver side door handle on my 2001 430 SL will not open the door. It will open from the outside but not from the interior handle. All other doors are fine. This problem occured overnight with the car in the garage. The dealership never heard of this problem ???? and wants me to bring it in for $$$ look-see. I just spent $2300 on a 96,000 mile service (timing belt, etc.) and am reluctant to return. anyone else experience this door handle problem?

DDLexus

this might sound stupid... but make sure the door is unlocked on the drivers side and try again.

I think there was a C-best setting that enables the door to open from the inside when the door is both locked or unlocked. If you don't have this enabled, you might unlock the doors first before trying to open.

Worth a try...

charlescat

not sure what a C best setting is but I open the door now by putting the window down and opening from the outside. It locks and opens with the key function and using the key in the door.

DDLexus

think "child safety locks". this is the concept i'm talking about. If your sitting in the drivers seat with the door closed and the door "locked", just pulling the handle will not open the door. You have to unlock the doors (using the unlock switch), before trying to pull the handle to open the door.

In my car (2005) the inside door handle unlocks and opens the door with just the handle pull (whether or not the door is locked or unlocked). I think the dealer might be able to set the what the door handle operates.

GS3Tek

iTrader: (8)

"If" this is the same problem as the SC300/400, it's the latching mechanism/hook that slips off from the inside door handle due to a small plastic piece that broke. This is why you have to open from the outside.

I believe it's a common problem for the SC. Do a search on "door lock" or "door open from the outside"....something along that line and there's a part number for the plastic piece.

charlescat

Thanks to all who responded. I found an old thread that identified the problem and gave me a part number for a plastic holder that cost $2.50. The trick now is to find someone to get in the door panel and replace it for less than $400.00.

buggs384

FYI,
I just replaced my door lock actuator because my power lock on the driver side door was not working. Now I know this is a different from your issue but if you use this thread as a guide it will tell you how to remove the door panel to gain access to the inner door parts.

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/gs-...ators-diy.html


Taking the door handle off is not that difficult if that is whats needed to do your repair. hope this helps.
I also have a pdf step by step on how to remove the door panel on a 2004-06 LS 430 if you want it pm me with your email.

charlescat

The problem turned out to be a cable that connects the handle to the locking mechanism. Got it fixed by a local mechanic for $163.00 cable itself cost $38.00.

playa3uhh

^^ This is exactly what happened to me as well on my 2001. I replaced it myself but bought the cable from Lexus for around $70. It was a B!T$% to fix as a DIY. But hey, it's finished and working. haha

SlingerW

I have just experienced this problem and yes use the outside handle to exit the car.
Please provide the plastic holder part # if you still have it or any identifying detail that will allow me to obtain such a part.
Cheers