Can't unlook Driver door.
Thread Starter
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Freshman User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 36
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Can't unlook Driver door.
I am having a problem with the driver side door not unlocking when either pulling the release latch from the inside or pushing the unlock buttons on either the keychain or inside door panel. I believe its the locking mechanizm but I am not really sure. I havent done anything as of yet but I was hoping someone out there in Ford world would recognize the symptoms and suggest a repair solution?
Thread Starter
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Freshman User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 36
Likes: 0
I am sorry, I forgot to include my truck information. I have 98 Ford Explorer XLT, four door, V6 4.0L engine. The lock nipple does move, but it seems to be stuck, it doesnt go throught the full motion. I can unlock it with a combination of pulling the door latch from the inside and pressing the unlock door button alternately but I have to do this a few times before it unlocks. The door doesn't have problems locking, it automatically locks when I put the truck in gear which is a standard feature of the vehicle. This just started happening within the last week. Any information would be so helpful.
Junior User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 94
Likes: 0
From: Roscommon,Michigan
Hey Glibscomb
If your outside door handle feels looser then the other outside door handles,this is most likely the problem. There is a small coiled spring on each side pivot and either one or both are probably broken. This causes the linkage inside the door to hang loose in a misaligned position. This adjustment is VERY critical! the cure is an outside handle replacement. They are about $35.00 at the dealer. You'll need your paint code because they come painted and ready to install. Ask for two body rivets to install it.
You'll also need to borrow a "body rivet gun" because the rivet stem is too large for a regular or a heavy duty gun. You have to drill out the two rivets you see when you raise the handle. Remove inside door panel and the bolt that holds the rear window track in place. Remove the track. Look up at the top to see how it just slips into place.Put a light in there so you can see how it fits before you pull it out.(saves time trying to figure it out later!) The plastic fitting at the bottom of the push rod has a little locking clasp that will release the rod where it's threaded. note how many threads are showing above it so you can put it back in the same spot. Test the inside handle and all the locking methods to be sure it works ok. You'll see by holding the rod up or down slightly it can foul up the lock. I'm talking 1/8th or less. Keep adjusting til
you can get the inside puttomm to operate freely.Plug in any wires you disconnected.
Reinstall interior panel. Pat yourself on the back! Good job!
PS
Two small galvanized screws,flat washers,(inside),two nuts with a drop of loctite work fine in place of the rivets. Take new handle to hardware & get bolts that fit snug
in the holes.About 1 inch long should do it.)
Huffer
If your outside door handle feels looser then the other outside door handles,this is most likely the problem. There is a small coiled spring on each side pivot and either one or both are probably broken. This causes the linkage inside the door to hang loose in a misaligned position. This adjustment is VERY critical! the cure is an outside handle replacement. They are about $35.00 at the dealer. You'll need your paint code because they come painted and ready to install. Ask for two body rivets to install it.
You'll also need to borrow a "body rivet gun" because the rivet stem is too large for a regular or a heavy duty gun. You have to drill out the two rivets you see when you raise the handle. Remove inside door panel and the bolt that holds the rear window track in place. Remove the track. Look up at the top to see how it just slips into place.Put a light in there so you can see how it fits before you pull it out.(saves time trying to figure it out later!) The plastic fitting at the bottom of the push rod has a little locking clasp that will release the rod where it's threaded. note how many threads are showing above it so you can put it back in the same spot. Test the inside handle and all the locking methods to be sure it works ok. You'll see by holding the rod up or down slightly it can foul up the lock. I'm talking 1/8th or less. Keep adjusting til
you can get the inside puttomm to operate freely.Plug in any wires you disconnected.
Reinstall interior panel. Pat yourself on the back! Good job!
PS
Two small galvanized screws,flat washers,(inside),two nuts with a drop of loctite work fine in place of the rivets. Take new handle to hardware & get bolts that fit snugin the holes.About 1 inch long should do it.)
Huffer
