Sounds like something in the mechanism either broke or came undone then, possibly a little arm or something, replacing the assembly would cure that, or you could pull it out first and take a look.

 

I know when I replaced my door handles I was shocked that those parts are held togheter by tiny "plastic" clips. I bet the lever that is attached to the auto door locks has come loose

 

Check the clips? You said you had the panel off maybe by accident one of the lock rod got knocked loose? There are 2, one for the key and one for the actuator. Also check to make sure the indicator inside is hooked to the rod as well? If not it could bind and make the door not unlock.

 

That would be alot cheaper than replacing the assembly too

 

well when I had the panel off all of the rods looked as if they were fine, nothing was loose. I couldnt actually see where it was connected to but I tried to jiggle them to see if one was loose and everything seemed fine. Do I need to take off the 3 screws and pull the assembly out to look at it or where exactly is that clip for the actuator? Pics would also help if anyone has some!

 

IIRC, I unbolted mine when I tested my courtesy switch since it gave me more room to work. Removing it probably would be the easiest way to examine the actuator and it's linkage.

Hopefully someone has some pics...now I wish I would have saved mine instead of chucking it...

 

alrighty problem solved...took out the old one to look at it, the arm that pushed it locked or unlocked was broken off (plastic piece) so I slapped it back together, went to the stealership and bought a new one...179.00 Thanks for your help guys