So, the little plastic arm that lets the key lock raise and lower the rod to lock and unlock the door broke. I bought a replacement. While trying to put it on I dropped it down the door inside..cant feel it, cant see it.

1.) Any ideas on how to get the part back?

2.) How do you install the plastic arm in a professional manner?

Pics below.
Thanks in advance---Bob in NM


Broken Door Lock /Rod


The Ford Door Void


Howzat go on again?


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Sorry to say it, but you probably are not going to be able to fish it out. The plastic piece needs to be installed on the lock cylinder with the lock cylinder taken out of the door. So first take the cylinder out of the door by removing the retaining clip that holds it in the door. Then carefully clip the plastic arm onto the lock cylinder, it should point towards the front of the pickup. Then put the cylinder back in the door and put in the retainer to hold it in place. The plastic arm connects to the rod at the straight part between the two bends in the rod. Slip the rod through to opening in the plastic arm and your done.

Its really pretty easy when you know the proper steps, I hope I was clear. Feel free to ask for clarification. Good luck!

 

That was real clear, thanks.

Is there a trick to pulling the cylinder retaining clip out of the door?

I may try to get the plastic part out or buy another. Makes sense now.

Does the arm clip over the lock or under? (pointing to the front)

Thank you. - Bob

 

I use a plastic trim removal tool to get the retainer out, if yours is in there real tight you may need to use an actual prybar. Just be careful because they are easy to bend and then they cannot be reused very well. The plastic arm clips under the lock cylinder.

 

Thanks that's a really great post. I hope its useful to others as well.
I really appreciate the info. When you don't have a manual FTE is the answer!

 

Glad I was able to help. I've got a lot of good information from this site that has made my life a whole lot easier. Sometimes trial and error ends up costing you time and money and its nice to be able to come here and get an answer.

 

I just replaced the locks on my truck and I found buying new plastic clips made it a ton easier. I fought with the old ones for about 30 minutes before I said screw it and went to advanced. The factory ones, you had to bend at an ungodly angle to get them to clip, but I found a pack in the HELP! section at advanced that clipped on straight and they were a breeze to snap. Good luck. I used a pair of vice grips to get my retaining clips out.
The new set of locks were $9.99 and the clips we $3.00 a pack. Had to buy 2 packs since each pack has one of each type of clip. The one I used that was easy was the yellow one. THIS ONE.

 

"1994 F250: 351, C6" gave the pointers I needed. Lock back in working great.