Door lock problems.
Thread Starter
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New User
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
From: Little Rock, AR
Door lock problems.
i have a 98 mountaineer and the other day i got stuck in the drivers seat, the damn thing would not let me out. with a combination of feathering the unlock button and pulling on the door handle i managed to escape. when i finally got out i pulled up on the outside door handle and it was completly limp.
so i plan on doing a ittle exploratory surgery but my main question would be is this going to be a broken parts issue or something came loose?
anyways if you can help i would be appreciate it.
so i plan on doing a ittle exploratory surgery but my main question would be is this going to be a broken parts issue or something came loose?
anyways if you can help i would be appreciate it.
New User
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
98 Ford Explorer door handle problem
I had the exact same problem with my door handle. I was stuck inside and had to wind down the window to get out and my outside latch is also limp. I tried to open the door panel by unscrewing the two screws I found but the panel still would not come off. Do I REALLY have to take it back to Ford to fix the problem? No one else could figure out how to get the panel off either. This in addition to the fact that the door lock will not pop up when I click the button....HELP!
Thread Starter
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New User
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
From: Little Rock, AR
that is my same problem, and i cant even get the door open to get the panel off. it probably didn't help that i got pissed and screwed up the inside handle as we.
i use to could pull on the inside handle and push the unlock button at the same time and after a million times it would open but not any more.
i have not attempted to work on mine yet, i just slide out the passanger side.
i use to could pull on the inside handle and push the unlock button at the same time and after a million times it would open but not any more.
i have not attempted to work on mine yet, i just slide out the passanger side.
Elder User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 856
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From: Kansas City, Missouri
Place window in the full-down position.
Disconnect the negative battery cable.
Remove two screws above door handle.
Carefully pry out the door handle trim with a screw driver.
On base models without electrice windows, remove screw in window handle and remove handle and escutcheon, if eqipped.
Insert a wide bladed screw driver or trim removal tool between the door panel and door.
Carefully pry the trim clips out of the door.
Pull the door panel away from the door and detach the switch panel from the door trim panel.
Turn the switch over, remove the screws and separate the window and door lock switches from the switch panel.
If necessary, carefully peel the watershield from the door, careful not to tear it.
Disconnect the negative battery cable.
Remove two screws above door handle.
Carefully pry out the door handle trim with a screw driver.
On base models without electrice windows, remove screw in window handle and remove handle and escutcheon, if eqipped.
Insert a wide bladed screw driver or trim removal tool between the door panel and door.
Carefully pry the trim clips out of the door.
Pull the door panel away from the door and detach the switch panel from the door trim panel.
Turn the switch over, remove the screws and separate the window and door lock switches from the switch panel.
If necessary, carefully peel the watershield from the door, careful not to tear it.
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New User
Joined: Mar 2006
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I have electric windows and it seems like the panel just won't come off even after removing the two screws. Think I'm gonna end up having to take it to the Ford dealer.
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From: Willamette Valley, Oregon
1998 Ford Explorer repair manual
Trim Panel — Front Door
Removal
Note:
High series shown, low series similar.
Note:
The window must be completely down to remove the front door trim panel.
1. On high series front door trim panel, disconnect the battery ground cable (14301).
2. Remove the screws.
3. Remove the inside door handle cup (22634).
4. On low series front door trim panel, remove the screw and the window regulator handle.
5. Start in a lower corner and work around the panel, carefully prying the front door trim panel (23942) away from the front door (20124) to disengage the 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.
1 Remove the screws.
2 Disconnect the electrical connectors.
9. If equipped, remove the courtesy lamp bulb from the lens and remove the front door trim panel.
Trim Panel — Front Door
Removal
Note:
High series shown, low series similar.
Note:
The window must be completely down to remove the front door trim panel.
1. On high series front door trim panel, disconnect the battery ground cable (14301).
2. Remove the screws.
3. Remove the inside door handle cup (22634).
4. On low series front door trim panel, remove the screw and the window regulator handle.
5. Start in a lower corner and work around the panel, carefully prying the front door trim panel (23942) away from the front door (20124) to disengage the 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.
1 Remove the screws.
2 Disconnect the electrical connectors.
9. If equipped, remove the courtesy lamp bulb from the lens and remove the front door trim panel.
New User
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
I have a 98 explorer and my driver's side door lock will not open without putting the key in the door and even then I have to operate my remote at the same time to get it to open. When I click the remote I can see the door **** jump slightly, but the door will not unlock. Sometimes if I repeatedly hit the remote it will open. All the other locks in the vehicle work ok. My question is .... is this the actuator or is there something not operating correctly with the mechanical end of the lock? Anyone have similar problems? Could use some help.
