HELP! Drivers door won't close when cold
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
HELP! Drivers door won't close when cold
<HR style="COLOR: #ffffff; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ffffff" SIZE=1 itxtvisited="1"><!-- / icon and title --><!-- message --><!-- google_ad_section_start --><!-- In 1st Post Ad --><TABLE width="100%" border=0 itxtvisited="1"><TBODY itxtvisited="1"><TR itxtvisited="1"><TD vAlign=top width="100%" itxtvisited="1">OK this has been happening when its cold. the driver side door won't close all the way unless I put all my force into it.Which from the inside is difficult. Is there any quick fix for this? And its only the drivers door.
Any help is appreciated. Thanks
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
Any help is appreciated. Thanks
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
Junior User
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 84
Likes: 0
From: Richardson, TX
Make sure he rear door is closed securely, and that it's latched at the top. I've always had trouble w/ the top of my rear door, that's the one that needs slammed, with your hand towards the top.
MMNC (SS)(Ret)
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 11,594
Likes: 144
From: SE Georgia
has the door always been slightly hard to shut?
almost sounds like you need to adjust your striker plate.
the latch where the door hooks is bolted down with a big Torx bit. You should be able to get that torx bit for under $10 at any parts store.
then just loosen the striker, adjust outwards slightly and re-tighten. test the door. keep repeating this step until the door shuts fine
also, make sure to check the outside seam of the door. You want the panels to be flush with each other
and if you are under warranty, the Dealership should fix this for free IMO...can't hurt to ask anyways
almost sounds like you need to adjust your striker plate.
the latch where the door hooks is bolted down with a big Torx bit. You should be able to get that torx bit for under $10 at any parts store.
then just loosen the striker, adjust outwards slightly and re-tighten. test the door. keep repeating this step until the door shuts fine
also, make sure to check the outside seam of the door. You want the panels to be flush with each other
and if you are under warranty, the Dealership should fix this for free IMO...can't hurt to ask anyways
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
thanks tylus
i have 04 screw FX4
It's giving me trouble when outside temp single digits,other wise door shuts fine.
I will check the striker plate. And yes I have torx set, I wasn't sure how to adjust before.
i have 04 screw FX4
It's giving me trouble when outside temp single digits,other wise door shuts fine.
I will check the striker plate. And yes I have torx set, I wasn't sure how to adjust before.
Former Vendor
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 3,849
Likes: 1
From: Seattle
If your door shuts fine at all times except when it gets very cold outside, adjusting the striker will probably not fix it and may cause other problems when the temperature warms up. You are probably having a problem with the latch assembly, possibly moisture freezing in it and causing poor operation at low temperatures. Does it shut fine after the truck has been driven and the heater has warmed it up? Dan.
MMNC (SS)(Ret)
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 11,594
Likes: 144
From: SE Georgia
If your door shuts fine at all times except when it gets very cold outside, adjusting the striker will probably not fix it and may cause other problems when the temperature warms up. You are probably having a problem with the latch assembly, possibly moisture freezing in it and causing poor operation at low temperatures. Does it shut fine after the truck has been driven and the heater has warmed it up? Dan.
another cause may be that the rubber has ice forming inside it and isn't compressing.
as y2k asked...does the problem still exist after she is warmed up?
Junior User
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 82
Likes: 0
If your door shuts fine at all times except when it gets very cold outside, adjusting the striker will probably not fix it and may cause other problems when the temperature warms up. You are probably having a problem with the latch assembly, possibly moisture freezing in it and causing poor operation at low temperatures. Does it shut fine after the truck has been driven and the heater has warmed it up? Dan.
Thats what is sounds like. Spray some WD-40 in the latch mechanism. Follow it up by lubing the latch with some lithium grease.
Trending Topics
Junior User
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 87
Likes: 0
door problem
I have a similiar problem with my drivers door. I cannot tell you how many times I've had to pull over, get out, open the rear door, put my hand on the top part of the door, and slam it..........or its not completely closed and the first little bump you hit 
Is the adjuster on the top or bottom? thanks
Is the adjuster on the top or bottom? thanks
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
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
Ford Super Duty: 5 Things Owners LOVE, 5 Things They LOATHE!
Joe Kucinski
Every 2026 Ford Truck Engine RANKED from WORST to FIRST!
Michael S. Palmer
The Best F-150 Deal of Every Trim Level (XL through Raptor)
Joe Kucinski
Junior User
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 84
Likes: 0
From: Richardson, TX
I took my truck back to the dealer, because the top of the rear door wouldn’t latch without giving it a good slam, plus the driver’s door wasn’t aligned perfect. After they got done with it, the door is worse aligned, and the rear door still has to be slammed to get the top to latch, I was told by the service dept, and two salesmen that it’s a common problem.
New User
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
Explorer Doors Won't Latch When Cold
This is the same problem I have with my '03 Explorer. When the temperature drops the doors won't latch until the vehicle cab warms up. Curiously this also seems to be a function of humidity as well - doesn't happen as often in extremely cold & dry weather.
I've sprayed the latch with no success - dealer says the latch needs replacing but it works fine when above zero - and I'm not up for replacing all latches unless convinced they're shot. Is taking the door apart for inspection and/or lube advisable?
I've sprayed the latch with no success - dealer says the latch needs replacing but it works fine when above zero - and I'm not up for replacing all latches unless convinced they're shot. Is taking the door apart for inspection and/or lube advisable?
Super Moderator
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 8,547
Likes: 6
From: MA
Super Moderator
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 8,547
Likes: 6
From: MA
Oh, for those with this problem... it might be worth your time to actually go to a body shop. They are the folks that understand lining up body panels, doors, etc. I bet they can tell if you what is screwing it up, and what you might have to adjust to get it working again.
Junior User
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 84
Likes: 0
From: Richardson, TX
Junior User
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 84
Likes: 0
From: Richardson, TX
What I think the "common problem" is, is that the rear door may not get closed firmly enough, causing the top latch not to latch. I checked the passenger side and it latches with just a gentle push, where the drivers side needs a good slam w/ my hand placed towards the top to get the top to latch. I explained that to the service dept, but it's still that way. Guess my next trip will be to a good body shop.