Suicide door won't open

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Aug 31, 2013 | 01:54 PM

goose4wind

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5th Wheeling

Joined: Nov 2009

Posts: 27

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Suicide door won't open

I have a 2001 F-150 XLT 4x4 (Offroad package) with a 5.4 V8 Triton engine. It has an extended cab with the rear suicide doors in the back. I cannot open the passenger side rear door, and would greatly appreciate any help on where to start on taking the panels off to fix it. My Haynes manual is no help. The handle to open the door moves freely, but feels like it is disconnected internally. Thanks for anyones help.

Sep 2, 2013 | 01:24 AM

Piffery1

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Joined: Jun 2004

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From: Niceville, FL.

Start by removing the two screws that hold the window opener/latch in place. Then CAREFULLY pry the panel off the door frame. I used a heavy 3" putty knife and a wide blade screwdriver. On mine the lower release cable outer end (cheap plastic) had broken and pulled away from its metal mount. Fortunately I was able to repair using a small metal wiring clamp and some hay bailing wire.

Sep 2, 2013 | 05:56 PM

goose4wind

Thread Starter

5th Wheeling

Joined: Nov 2009

Posts: 27

Likes: 2

Thanks Piffery 1, I needed a starting place. I will let you know how it goes, and hopefully I'll find it's a simple fix once I get the panel off. Thanks again.

Sep 11, 2013 | 11:25 PM

sKuLz88

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Joined: May 2012

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I had the same issue, just go about it as Piffery said. I use zip ties to fix mine.

Sep 18, 2013 | 07:55 AM

jackrabbit72380

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Joined: Jul 2012

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Quote:

Originally Posted by sKuLz88

I had the same issue, just go about it as Piffery said. I use zip ties to fix mine.

I had the same issue the problem was the top metal latch connected to the truck I had to take all the plastic off and get that wire and pull down on it I think the wire broke inside making the door not open so what I did was when I finaly got the door open I removed the metal peace that was connected to the truck so that only the bottom latch keeps the door shut. probly not supper safe but it fixed the problem. and the door works just like it did before the wire broke.

Apr 10, 2016 | 08:32 PM

19fifty4

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Joined: Jul 2008

Posts: 2,922

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Thread has some age but just experienced this issue with my truck and appreciate being able to search and find a fix. Good info here at FTE and much of it is timeless. Thanks.