Notices
1968-Present E-Series Van/Cutaway/Chassis Econolines. E150, E250, E350, E450 and E550

Double Door Lock Question

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Aug 8, 2011 | 10:10 AM
  #1  
hkellyin's Avatar
hkellyin
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Double Door Lock Question

Hello all! new to forum here!
Yesterday, out of nowhere, the rear double door (the one without the exterior handle) wouldn't open. The door with the outside handle does open. The one that wont open is the one you close first if both were open. I hear clicking, but nothing.
Later in the day, the side main door with the exterior handle wont open from the outside, although it does open from the inside.
Its really strange that both doors broke on the same day...is there some trick or some fuse somewhere that blew?
Any advice would be great!
 
Reply
Old Aug 8, 2011 | 10:33 AM
  #2  
JWA's Avatar
JWA
Fleet Owner
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 21,255
Likes: 1,656
From: Reynoldsburg, Ohio
What year and how many miles on your van?

It sounds like the cable mechanisms operated by the user accessible handles have failed----these aren't electrically operated or controlled though, no fuses to check etc etc.

If its just a cargo van without interior door trim panels its easy to reach inside each door and actuate the latches. If its the Club Wagon or conversion van any trim needs to be first removed. Sad to say its probably time to replace the latch mechanisms complete. There have been posted various fixes for the cables but honestly once they've failed in this way most likely they've also worn enough replacing them makes more sense, especially if it becomes labor intensive due interior trim etc.

Its not a difficult job even for the DIY'er assuming one has Torx sockets and a well equipped tool box in general.

Hope this helps even a little!
 
Reply
Old Aug 8, 2011 | 10:45 AM
  #3  
hkellyin's Avatar
hkellyin
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
year

96 Ford Econoline wagon 80k, sorry should have mentioned that.
 
Reply
Old Aug 8, 2011 | 11:00 AM
  #4  
JWA's Avatar
JWA
Fleet Owner
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 21,255
Likes: 1,656
From: Reynoldsburg, Ohio
Originally Posted by hkellyin
96 Ford Econoline wagon 80k, sorry should have mentioned that.
Yeah sounds like the plastic ferrules have deteriorated allowing the cable attachement to slip out and not releasing the latch---this isn't that uncommon a problem. Age alone seems to do this as the plastic used wasn't that good of material from the beginning.

An independent auto glass shop might be someone to contact first if you need this done by someone else. Each latch assembly should be less than $100 each even from the dealers---my advice would NOT to use salvage parts as there's no guarantee their age making them potentially failing once again and requiring the whole process over again.

This can be one of the most aggravating things to experience if only for the inconvenience alone---been there, done that! Sad thing is I'm in the auto glass biz and have added various trim panel/tool holders to all my doors.
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
RenoHuskerDu
1968-Present E-Series Van/Cutaway/Chassis
6
Oct 22, 2017 07:02 PM
the_real_zekenator
1968-Present E-Series Van/Cutaway/Chassis
5
Oct 31, 2013 06:43 AM
joelswork
1968-Present E-Series Van/Cutaway/Chassis
3
Sep 27, 2013 11:21 PM
bluedund
1968-Present E-Series Van/Cutaway/Chassis
4
Apr 7, 2004 11:53 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 04:26 PM.

story-0
This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level

Slideshow: The VelociRaptor Expedition gains a lift, upgraded suspension, Brembo brakes, and trail-ready equipment while retaining the stock 440-horsepower EcoBoost V6.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-12 11:01:55


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

Slideshow: Top 10 Fords at 2026 Ford Nationals

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 11:10:08


VIEW MORE
story-2
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

Based on years of owning multiple modern Ford products.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-09 10:53:36


VIEW MORE
story-3
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

SPONSORED: From muddy boots to rain-soaked cargo, these upgrades address some of the most common frustrations Ford truck owners face every day.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-06-08 18:50:34


VIEW MORE
story-4
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

Here's everything you need to know about every Ford engine available for the 2026 model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-05 12:58:01


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Ford trucks that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 09:51:16


VIEW MORE
story-6
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:58


VIEW MORE
story-7
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 11:38:36


VIEW MORE
story-8
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

Slideshow: 10 most expensive Ford trucks ever sold on Bring a Trailer.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:24:34


VIEW MORE
story-9
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

Here's everything that has changed for the latest model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-27 16:17:28


VIEW MORE