Explorer door lock trouble
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Explorer door lock trouble
I have a 99 Explorer Sport with power locks. A while back, the outside driver's side handle became loose, and it is impossible to unlock it from outside. (If unlocked, it opens fine.) If I must lock it, I have to get in from the passenger side. To get out, I have to simultaneously push the unlock botton and pull the door handle about 5-8 times.
I have torn down the door panel, access is bad and visibility is nonexistant. There is what feels like a plastic ring with wire attached to it moving around on the back of the door handle. I assume this is the problem, but don't know what to do. I can't figure out how to remove the door handle to get a look, it doesn't seem to be attached with screws.
My situation is getting critical, the rod from the inside handle to the door mechanism is bending from the effort of forceful unlocking. If I don't fix it (or get it fixed) soon, I may no longer be able to open the door at all.
The lock actualle works sometimes when the door panel is off, but I can't leave it off because of the power wires. I'd hate to put it in the shop for this, can anybody help me out?
I have torn down the door panel, access is bad and visibility is nonexistant. There is what feels like a plastic ring with wire attached to it moving around on the back of the door handle. I assume this is the problem, but don't know what to do. I can't figure out how to remove the door handle to get a look, it doesn't seem to be attached with screws.
My situation is getting critical, the rod from the inside handle to the door mechanism is bending from the effort of forceful unlocking. If I don't fix it (or get it fixed) soon, I may no longer be able to open the door at all.
The lock actualle works sometimes when the door panel is off, but I can't leave it off because of the power wires. I'd hate to put it in the shop for this, can anybody help me out?
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 161,999
Likes: 75
From: 3rd Rock
...Welcome to Ford Truck Enthusiasts!
Stick around someone will be by shortly to answer your question.
We are happy you have chosen the best source for Fords!
Enjoy FTE....and
JOIN CLUB FTE -SUPPORT THE FORUMS!
…..See you on the boards.
Stick around someone will be by shortly to answer your question.
We are happy you have chosen the best source for Fords!
Enjoy FTE....and
JOIN CLUB FTE -SUPPORT THE FORUMS!
…..See you on the boards.
Last edited by IB Tim; Dec 5, 2005 at 05:52 PM.
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 253
Likes: 0
From: Marietta, GA
I've done some work inside doors and I can't help you with your specific problem except to highly recommend that you let the experts do it. It's so easy to screw up stuff inside the door and then you just end up paying them that much more anyway.
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Reading other people's posts, a broken spring seems likely. I really don't have the money to put it in a shop right now if I can avoid it. I guess at some point I'm going to have to tear down both doors to compare.
Please keep comenting here, I can use it.
Please keep comenting here, I can use it.
New User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
I had the same problem a year or so ago on my '98 Sport. It got to the point that I finally took it to the dealership. They said on mine i needed to replace the door latch assembly and handle. They estimated just shy of $300 for them to do it or $50 for the parts. Needless to say i just bought the parts, and spent a couple hours replacing it myself. Although I had to drill out the rivets of the old handle. If you read up i'm sure you can do it yourself. It seems that this is a fairly common problem on the sports i've had several friends with the same problem. Good Luck
Cargo Master
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 2,858
Likes: 3
From: Friendswood, Texas
My suggestion would be to take a trip to the local boneyard, especially if it is a pick and pull type. Find one there and practice getting it out on their door instead of yours. A used one will proably be fine since this doesn'tr appear to be too terribly common of an occurance on these vehicles. Probably only goiong to cost yopu between $5 and $10.00.
Trending Topics
Junior User
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 66
Likes: 0
I had the same problem on my 99XLT a couple of years ago. I had to have both the latch and door handle replaced. After looking at how tight the space was to work I decided this was one of those jobs that was worth paying someone else to do for me.
Apparently the latch simply wears out. A boneyard replacement might not be much better. This is probably one of those situations where it's worth getting new parts.
Apparently the latch simply wears out. A boneyard replacement might not be much better. This is probably one of those situations where it's worth getting new parts.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Hmmm.. practice on juck trucks, I like that idea. We have 2 of those close by, many others in the area. And I suspected the handle is riveted, good to have that confirmed.
However, since it's once again working, I'm going to try to stall through the holidays. Since the door handle still feels loose, I'm going to have to deal with it sooner or later.
Please clarify, by "latch assembly" are you refering to the rods, the latch on the side that keeps the door closed, or what exactly? Just trying to get a clearer picture here. Thanks for all the help so far.
However, since it's once again working, I'm going to try to stall through the holidays. Since the door handle still feels loose, I'm going to have to deal with it sooner or later.
Please clarify, by "latch assembly" are you refering to the rods, the latch on the side that keeps the door closed, or what exactly? Just trying to get a clearer picture here. Thanks for all the help so far.
Junior User
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 66
Likes: 0
On mine both the latch and handle needed to be replaced. The latch is the part on the lower part of the door that keeps it closed and is held in with I believe 3 screws. The handle is the part that is rivited in.
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
That's what I figured, but wanted to make sure. Why do they rivet these things if they're prone to breaking? It just makes it harder. I don't think manufactuers want you to be able to work on your vehicle nowdays. Old cars are so easy. (Off the subject, sorry.) Anyway, thanks, I'll keep you all posted on further developments, but I plan to try to stall through the holiday if possible.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
hivoltj
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
4
Mar 9, 2015 12:05 PM
Mocha Joe
1968-Present E-Series Van/Cutaway/Chassis
3
Jun 26, 2013 08:28 PM
kev100
Explorer, Sport Trac, Mountaineer & Aviator
8
Feb 18, 2011 07:30 PM
renee
Explorer, Sport Trac, Mountaineer & Aviator
3
Jul 30, 2008 02:51 PM