Door will not unlock from inside, key & outside handle still work

[WestCoastDan]

2003 TJ
I read another thread about a similar issue, but it was more about the key not working.
Drivers' door works as expected until you attempt to unlock it from inside the car. The toggle moves but there is no noticeable 'clunk' to indicate that the lock is unlocked, and alas, it does not unlock.
If I unlock the door from the outside using the key, it works like a charm.
From the inside it locks per normal.

Before I tear this door panel off and render the vehicle undriveable, can anyone point me to the parts and/or process of addressing this specific issue?
I don't think anything is disconnected as it still locks the door.
Is the lock/unlock button assembly worn, broken, etc.?

 

[MikekiM]

The clip that connects the two ends of the lock rod, from the inside handle to the lock mechanism likely broke..

Pretty sure it's the top rod in this picture with the red clip.. it's the clip at one end or the other..

 

[MikekiM]

I may a few extra clips if you need.

It's these..

 

[WestCoastDan]

Sweet, BUT... if the clip is broken (or gone), wouldn't that also prevent the door from being locked using the inside button/lever?

 

[The4bangertj]

The outside lock and the inside are 2 different rods so they function completely separate till they connect on the same plastic lever on the latch side. I would guess the arm has popped out on one of the sides. That’s done if the plastic at the bends has broken since they hold the rods in place.

 

[macleanflood]

I didn't have clips but was easily able to cable tie my rods into place. I now have an unopened package of clips, too...works well enough I don't see a point in taking the door apart again.

-Mac

 

[voodooridr]

Mine does the same thing (locks fine but won't unlock) , I haven't gotten around to stripping it apart and investigating yet. I planned to do it last summer when I took the doors off but that never happened (just the top)
Post up what you find if you get to it first

 

[Rubiconned]

Door will not unlock from inside​

Ted Bundy had the same feature for the passenger door on his VW Beetle.

 

[WestCoastDan]

Update:
Turns out that nothing was detached, broken, or missing.
Not sure how, but the "unlock rod" for the inside lever must have been bound up at some point and the repeated (and progressively stronger) activation appears to have caused the rod to bend slightly, making it too short of a throw when the unlock toggle is toggled.
I straightened out the affected rod a bit (making it slightly longer) by pushing down on it and then sprayed some WD-40 on the rotating/moving parts.
Then it worked as expected.

I was able to unlock the door (with the clunk sound, even) 20+ times w/o a repeat of the failure, so the panel will go back on as soon as I get a few new clips.

 

[MikekiM]

Sweet, BUT... if the clip is broken (or gone), wouldn't that also prevent the door from being locked using the inside button/lever?

I did miss the part where you said you can lock from the inside but just can't unlock it.

Looks like you got it resolved though.

 

[macleanflood]

Reminds me of the other day when I took apart the tailgate on my 2001 F250. Wasn't releasing the latch. Took everything apart, studied the mechanism. At some point I noticed a pawl that was stopping the cam motion preventing it from moving the rods...aka it was locked...in the twenty years I've owned this truck I've never once locked the tailgate...still no idea how it happened.

-Mac

 

[MikekiM]

Reminds me of the other day when I took apart the tailgate on my 2001 F250. Wasn't releasing the latch. Took everything apart, studied the mechanism. At some point I noticed a pawl that was stopping the cam motion preventing it from moving the rods...aka it was locked...in the twenty years I've owned this truck I've never once locked the tailgate...still no idea how it happened.

-Mac

The tailgate and under seat lock box are on the only secure places in the Jeep. Unfortunately, that's a concern around these woods...

 

[hear]

I've had it happen where nothing will unlock the door short of removing the interior panel and pushing the rod. In each case, I've been able to fix it by applying grease to just about everything that moves inside the door. Then I work the lock, handle, latch, key, everything about a hundred times. Never had a problem with one after that treatment.