Help: Rear Door won't open - self inflicted

I was working on adding deadening material to my 4Runner and some new speakers in the rear doors and somehow when I put the inner door panel back on, I did something wrong and now my door won't open. I've tried opening both handles same time, holding the lock in the open position and I can't get it to open.

Any ideas on what to do next? I was thinking about calling AAA for a tow truck but I'm not sure they will be able to open it either, maybe, I just don't know what is exactly happening inside the door. I tried taking the panel off from the inside, but that isn't an option, it won't come off while the door is closed if anyone thought about trying.

On a positive note: I was able to get 6 3/4" speaker installed in the door with some homemade tabs. Took about 45 minutes for the one side and then I realized the mistake I made and then proceeded to waste the next hour trying to get it to open.

 

Nvrmind

 

It's not the hatch, it's the driver-side rear door.

 

I'd do same, work the lock/unlock buttons, push in/pull in while working the locks. Did you leave something disconnected? Inside latch does nothing either?

 

It's all connected. When I was connecting it back together, I noticed either the lock or latch mechanisms seemed a little out of place. I meant to check it out, but forgot and I think that is doing something to the latch or lock.

 

Look at the mechanism on the other rear door with the panel off and see if you can figure out how to open it by pulling on the bars. Repeat on the latched door w a hanger, slim Jim etc... should be a mirror of each other

I did this to figure out how to open the trunk on a fox body mustang (notch). I had 2 and the one I had just bought had no trunk key. Turns out you can remove a license plate light and pull the rod to release the trunk latch on those cars.

 

You probably mixed up the door handle and the locking cables. I did that once to the driver's door. You'll have to mess with the unlocking latch until the door opens if you can't get the panel off with the door closed.

 

Yea, I think you're right, I'm hoping it will magically open up soon. It sucks because my 18-month-old sits behind me and now I have to roll down the window to get her in and out. Ugh....

Go Niners!

 

You may have to wedge something behind the locking latch like a skinny trim removal tool to get some leverage and then pull out. I think that's how I did it.

 

If you haven't named it yet, might I suggest "General Lee"

 

You have swapped the door locking and release cables or bend them.
The only way it might work is after you remove the 3 bolts that hold the door panel , pull the panel from the top front side as much as you can. Even if a few clips come out it should give you access to the cables to make the swap. Use pliers, long screwdrivers whatever gets you to the mechanism.
If this does not work, you are going to have to tear the door panel apart.
You ll probably need to cut a hole in the panel and your panel would be trash.

 

I solved the problem finally! After spending 9 hours driving down to San Felipe and back, I kept thinking about it. The cables were switched, which I was pretty sure of (the white cable goes on top). So to get it open I had to "unlock" the door by holding the interior door handle open, and then I had to "unlatch" the door by switching the lock to the unlock position. I had to force it open due to a lack of torque from the locking mechanism, but I was able to get it to open with some extra effort.

I almost got used to it, feels weird having a fully operational door again.

 

Lol...what was there to think about? Multiple people told you what the exact issue was. Glad you were able to "solve" it.

 

I’m so grateful you shared your opinion.