I am new to this site and own a 2004 RX330...Today I was in my car and tried to get out and the door will not open... I tried the key and also trying opening it manuel and nothing worked. I called the dealership and they want to charge $110 just to take a look at it.... Does anyone out there know what I should do or how I can fix it? The only way for me to get out of my car is to use the passenger door please help......

 

Seems to be a problem with linkages. In winter time (below freezing) at times the condensed moisture can freeze and lock up linkages.

So it is either dealership, competent body shop or DIY.

Salim

 

On my wife's ES300 2002, I had the exact same problem. Tried searching the forums and called a friend who repaired Lexus', but to no avail. I finally tackled the problem myself. It wasn't a linkage, but the door lock mechanism that latches the door shut. Basically I had to pry open the upper part of the drivers door from inside the car (it wasn't easy) to take a peek inside (it only opened a few inches, remember the door is stuck closed), checked all linkages and movable parts (it was fine). Narrowed it down to the door lock mechanism, which cannot be taken off with the door being stuck closed. So, I had to break it apart using a hammer and pry bars from the skinny opening at the top of the door. Took a long time! Finally got to a certain mechanism inside the lock mechanism that popped open the door. I had already ordered and received a new mechanism from Lexus ($200.00) so I could kind of see how it worked. Scratched the window tint a little, but oh well. Once you get the door open, you'll see the 3 bolts holding the lock mechanism to the door. Make sure you know how to put everything back together.
I don't wish this problem on anyone... it was a b*tch to do. If you have this same problem, Lexus is gonna charge you a fortune. Good Luck.

 

Well I took my RX330 to a body shop and they where able to open the door...He then sprayed WD40 on the locks its working for now not sure for how long...There was no charge so hopefully it was just stuck.