Hey all.

The rear door has been not locking for quite some time with the power locks or manual attempts. The rod acts jammed.

I did get it to lock once, but unlocked it and haven't been able to do it again. I can't see the mechanism or anything else, and I tried to remove the T-35 torx (star) screws, but they're stuck tight. I actually bent my torx bit. I was impressed.
Anyway, I soaked it with penetrant, but does anybody have any advice? Heat? Will I melt anything?

Cheers

Investigate any drawings about how it's constructed; I don't think you need to remove those big Torx screws. My guess is that the solenoid is frozen. On my later car that was the case. The solenoids are flippable side to side, it's a sort of universal housing. It was a pain to get them out.

The solenoid moves with actuation of the front driver's side door lock, but it can't lock the door any better than I can.

I got one out today, the other stripped. Fun times with a left-hand twist drill bit are in my future. The beveled head of the one that did come out showed a bit of rust. I think they're probably both rusty. Threads were clean though.

Can I torch these bad boys, or will I melt something in the latch? They're zinc plated steel, I'm sure.