Hey all!
I have a '92 Aerostar with a 5spd manual. My problem is I can't get to the door latch for the sliding door. I've taken the door panel off and found that the latch is attached in the rear of the door and there is sheet metal all around it. I have the Haynes manual which doesn't cover the slider door latch and there are no how to's on this specific subject. Does anyone here know how I can get at this latch and replace it??
Thanks!

 

I think you may have to pull the door off to get to that latch. If you can find an Aerostar in your local scrap yard, practice on that, and maybe get its latch in the process.

 

Sliding door handle assy, tune up.

Latch unbolts at the rear of the door.
In one instance my latch got jammed, door would not open, therefore I could not unbolt it either.
Had to cut an access hole to get my hand in and release it.

 

Check this link: https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/6...cant-open.html

I'll bet there's nothing wrong with the door but take a look at the front edge of the sliding door track and make sure it isn't broken. It can cause the problem you're having. Read the post I linked to above.

 

a possible option is to kick the latch area from inside the van, as someone else pulls the outside handle and keeps it pulled in the open position.

The rear Hatch latch is the same as the sliding door latch.

years ago i posted pictures showing why the latch fails and how to fix them once removed.