I have a 97 Explorer. My driver door lock should unlock all the doors when you turn it 2 or 3 times to the right, but some times the driver door won't fully unlock. You can see that it tries to come up but it doesn't. All the other locks will work just fine. Any info would be great thanks...

 

You may just have a problem with the door lock linkage. However, I had the EXACT same problem on my 98 Explorer which eventually would not unlock at all on the drivers door. It ended up being a broken spring in the door lock mechanism that pulls a rod clear of the lock/unlock mechanism.
If you look at your passenger side door lock mechanism and operate the power lock/unlock, you should be able to see the unlock rod which travels up and down. It can be seen by looking down in the door through the area where the window is stored in the down position. A flashlight will be needed to see it clearly. The door lock rod prevents the unlock rod from traveling up to unlock the door. The lock rod is pulled sideways by a spring which holds it out of the way to unlock the door, the spring is what broke on mine, which allows the lock rod to cover the unlock mechanism and prevents the unlock rod from raising up.
If this is your problem, here's what to do. Once you see how the passenger side unlock mechanism is supposed to work, specifically the lock rod which covers the unlock rod, put down the driver side window and then do your work standing outside of the driver door. Use something to hold the window weatherstripping out of the way and use a flashlight to see down the back edge of the door (a light you can drop down inside the door to light up the lock mechanism would be best) All you'll need is a LONG screwdriver or similar tool to move the lock rod out of the way as you either use your key to unlock the door or press the unlock button. Once you get it unlocked and open the door, you should be able to find the broken spring and replace it. I hope this works for you, as I had a lot of fun trying to figure mine out before I finally found this problem. Good luck!

 

Thanks. As soon as gets done raining I'll have a look. Thanks...

 

Wow this is the same problem that happened to me along with the door handle breaking, i never knew there was a spring was to hold the rod but now i know, is it possible to get just the spring or the whole mechanism is needed?

 

I just replaced the spring with one I got at the hardware store. I imagine Ford would have charged $5 for it, mine cost .99 cents at the store!

 

I fixed the lock problem. I didn't see a spring but I did find that one of the locking bars had came off of the door lock. thanks for giving me something to look for. I also posted something about my power windows not working but on the same note on the drivers door the auto lock putton will lock all of the doors but will not unlock any of them. The other door switches work fine. Any suggestions?

 

I am having a similar problem with my drivers side door and after looking in the lock, I can see that the spring is "floating" around in there as it came unattached at one end. I tool the door panel off but I would have to take everything out (window) to get to lock assembly out to fix it. Is there an easier way to fix the spring?

 

Reach in through the latch area on the side of the door with a pair of needle nose plyers and fish the unhooked end of the spring out. You can either put a bend in it, and reattach it, or replace it.

 

I fixed my window and door lock problems. There was 2 broken wires in the wiring harnes where the door bends. I pulled down the ruber boot after reading some other posts. Thanks to all.

 

thanks for the tip...i'll let you know how i make out.

 

Where is the rubber boot you mentioned? Was that to help you with the stuck lock or the wiring? I have the stuck lock issue and would like to know if it's better to go in through the top of the window, through the latch mechanism, or remove the door panel. Suggestions?
Thanks

 

Any feedback on the location or purpose of the rubber boot? Also on whether it is best to go in and fix the door lock mechanism through the window, the latch mechanism, or removing the door panel? This is on a 4 door 99 Explorer XLT. Any pics would be helpful as well!
Thanks!
Ed

 

I spent a few hours on Google trying to figure out a problem I am having with my door lock switch on my 96 EB and found a diagram for an aftermarket thing called mirrorbream...don't know what a mirrorbeam is...but the document that shows you how to install it on an Explorer has an excellent diagram of the driver's side door wiring harness and boot - on page 4.

Here is the link - you need adobe pdf reader to view it...but it sure does show you everything you need to kow about the wiring harness connector and boot....good luck

http://install.whelen.com/133/13303.pdf

 

Can someone describe at which points the spring is attached?

Also are there two rings at each end of the spring? I think mine actually broke, and one end has a hoop and one end if just straight. Should both ends have a hoop?

 

Anyone ever find where the springs are supposed to attach? My 99 Explorer is having this exact problem on the Driver and and driver's rear door. I was able to adjust the rear door so it will lock/unlock, however the driver door will no longer lock at all, not even if I push I try to push it down manually. I know the springs are broken because I was able to fish them out, however I no longer have them. I'll pick up replacements if I can find out where they attach inside the lock mechanism.

Thanks,