Honda-Tech - Honda Forum Discussion

Honda Accord: Why Won't My Rear Door Open?

Rear door lock problems can signal a number of issues; however, not all require the help of a professional mechanic.

By Charlie Gaston - March 10, 2015

This article applies to the Honda Accord (1990-2002).

If the rear door in your Honda Accord no longer opens and closes properly, there are a number of fixes available. For electrical problems as well as panel and/or lock assembly damage, you'll want to visit a local Honda dealer for top service. This easy-to-read guide will walk you through the steps you'll need to diagnose a faulty rear door and prepare you for the cost ahead.

Materials Needed

  • Owner's manual
  • Repair tools including Phillips screwdriver

Step 1 – Check the child lock

It should only prevent the door from opening from the inside.

Designed to prevent rear passengers from opening the rear doors while the vehicle is in motion or stationary, a child lock can prevent accidents and eliminate unauthorized exits from the vehicle without the driver's consent. It's not necessary to visit the dealer to disengage the child lock. Simply open the driver's side door and disengage the small switch on the edge of the door.

  • The child lock will only prevent the door from opening from the inside, not the outside. Therefore, if the rear door will not open from either side, the problem is not the child lock. Continue to Step 2.
Figure 1. This is the child lock switch.

Step 2 – Inspect the panel

The rod could be bent or disconnected.

This type of repair involves many moving parts and could be too complex for the average do-it-yourselfer. You might want to visit a Honda dealer or a local mechanic for help. If you wish to proceed without the assistance of an automotive professional, here are the general steps for removing the door panel on your own:

  • Remove the rear door trim panel. The panel is secured via clips and will require a trim removal to pull the panel back without breaking the clips.
  • Look for the connecting rod, which is located between the handle assembly and the lock assembly.
  • If rod is bent or disconnected from either the handle or lock assembly, you've discovered the problem.
  • Have the rod clip replaced.

If the problem persists, proceed to Step 3.

Figure 2. Blow-up diagram of the rear door panel.

Step 3 – Check the latch

It might be loose or faulty due to metal that is broken.

As seen in the diagram above, the door-locking mechanism is comprised of many pieces. If the latch is damaged or worn, it may not allow for the rest of the system to operate properly. The usual fix in this regard is to either replace the latch or entire assembly, or disassemble, clean, and reassemble the latch to ensure everything is connected correctly.

  • If you decide to carry out this repair on your own, remove the rear door panel, detach the lock mechanism and all its working parts, including screws and bolts, and unseat the latch with a Phillips screwdriver.
  • Be careful not to drop or lose any broken or loose metal pieces, which, in some cases, may be welded back together to repair the latch.
  • Estimated DIY cost is $35 to $75, depending on the extent of the damage to the latch.

If the latch is functioning properly, proceed to the final step.

Figure 3. Door latch.

Step 4 – Test the power locks

The power locks may have stopped working, leaving your rear door inoperable.

The problem could be the result of a broken part or larger electrical problem.

  • Visit a local Honda dealer to have your vehicle's electrical system checked for a bad switch or burnt-out motor.
  • The cost to repair a power lock door ranges from $50 to $200 at a local shop and $200 to $600 at a local Honda dealer.
  • Broken actuator parts could be replaced for as little as $10 to $75 at an auto parts store.
  • If the problem is a bad switch or burnt-out motor, expect repair costs to soar as high as $600 or more.
Figure 4. Bad wiring can cause power lock issues.

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