replacing door latch?
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New User
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From: Memphis TN
replacing door latch?
The driver's door would not fully latch on my wife's '99 Explorer. Even if you slammed it hard it bounced back with a 1/2 inch opening. She took it to the dealer who said the latch was bad and needed replacing - only $245.00! Needless to say I told her and them NO. I've bought the latch ($35), but now the door seems to be working. I suspect I'm going to wind up replacing this latch.
I'm not sure how to begin to get into the door.
Any pointers anyone can offer will be greatly appreciated!
I'm not sure how to begin to get into the door.
Any pointers anyone can offer will be greatly appreciated!
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 772
Likes: 1
Spray it WD40 first and check the post on the body that the latch goes onto. Make sure its tight and adusted right.
To get into the latch, the $245 charge is to completely remove the door panel and associated parts.
Here's the procedure
Note: The window must be completely down for this procedure.
1. Disconnect the battery ground cable.
2. Open the front door.
3. Remove the screws.
4. Remove the inside door handle cup.
5. Start in a lower corner and work around the panel, carefully prying the front door trim panel away from the front door to disengage the front door trim panel pushpins.
6. Lift the front door trim panel to disengage the top lip from the weatherstrip.
7. Turn the front door trim panel over.
8. Disconnect the power window switch and the power door lock switch electrical connectors.
9. If equipped, remove the courtesy lamp bulb from the lens and remove the front door trim panel.
To get into the latch, the $245 charge is to completely remove the door panel and associated parts.
Here's the procedure
Note: The window must be completely down for this procedure.
1. Disconnect the battery ground cable.
2. Open the front door.
3. Remove the screws.
4. Remove the inside door handle cup.
5. Start in a lower corner and work around the panel, carefully prying the front door trim panel away from the front door to disengage the front door trim panel pushpins.
6. Lift the front door trim panel to disengage the top lip from the weatherstrip.
7. Turn the front door trim panel over.
8. Disconnect the power window switch and the power door lock switch electrical connectors.
9. If equipped, remove the courtesy lamp bulb from the lens and remove the front door trim panel.
Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,085
Likes: 0
From: West Chester PA
My handle was sticking, and I thought it might be the latch. I took the door panel off the inside and 'adjusted' (translates to bent) the rod because it was binding on something in there. Then I sprayed the whole thing down with pb blaster and it's been fine since. I don't know if this will help you or not, but it might be worth a shot. Good luck!
Matt
Matt
