Hey I have an 02' Escape and could use some help. The back-rear door won't open. Hasn't worked in about a year and its' pretty annoying not being able to use that side. Any ideas on how I could go about fixing it without having the dealership fix it? It attempts to lock a few times but fails and won't budge from the outside nor the inside. (Child lock definitely not engaged). Anyone got any advice?
Thanks, Mark.

 

It'll be a PITA to do with the door shut but you'll have to remove the door panel to get access to the latch and see what's preventing it from operating. You'll probably find a spring off of the internal latch levers. Replacing the complete latch will probably be in order.

 

Thanks, I'll look into it.

 

There's a TSB covering this issue. Here's the details (copied from escape-city.com)

Doors - Unable to Open
Article No.
02-9-3

05/13/02

BODY - UNABLE TO OPEN DOORS

FORD:
2001-2002 ESCAPE

ISSUE
Some vehicles built before 12/15/01 may exhibit door latches that will not open. The outside handle and inside handle can be moved freely but latch remains locked. This may occur if the locked door's outside handle is lifted at the same time as the power lock button on either the key fob or the door panel is pressed.

ACTION
Refer to the following Service Procedure to open door(s) and replace door latch per Workshop Manual Section 501-14: Handles, Locks, Latches and Entry Systems.

Rear Door Non-Functional - Latch Replacement

REMOVAL
1. Remove rear-seat lower cushion(s).

All vehicles:
2. Remove door trim panel. For additional information refer to section 501-05: Interior Trim and Ornamentation "Rear Door Trim Panel Removal and Installation."

3. Position aside water shield.

NOTE
IF LEVER WILL NOT MOVE FREELY, CYCLE THE DOOR LOCK BUTTON AND HANDLE TO FREE LEVER.

NOTE
USING A SMALL SCREWDRIVER, INSERT SCREWDRIVER INTO LATCH ASSEMBLY AT OUTSIDE BASE OF ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR BELOW METAL ACTUATING LEVER AND PRY UP.

4. Remove latch. For additional information refer to section 501-14: Handles, Latches and Entry Systems Rear Door Latch Removal and Installation".

INSTALLATION
1. Install new latch. For additional information refer to section 501-14: Handles, Locks, Latches and Entry Systems "Rear Door Latch Removal and Installation."

2. Install door trim panel. For additional information refer to section 501-05: Interior Trim and Ornamentation "Rear Door Trim Panel Removal and Installation."

3. Install rear-seat lower cushion(s).

--------------------------------------

Bulletin No: 09-016/02

Last Issued: 12/11/2002

Subject:
UNABLE TO OPEN DOORS

APPLICABLE MODEL(S)/VINs
2001-2002 Tribute built before 12/15/2001.

DESCRIPTION
Some 2001-2002 Tributes built before 12/15/2001 may exhibit door latches that will not allow door(s) to be open from inside or outside the vehicle. This may occur if the locked door's outside handle is open at the same time that the power lock button is pressed on either the key fob or the door panel.

To prevent this condition from happening, new door latches are available.

Customers having this concern should have their vehicle repaired using the procedure.

PART(S) INFORMATION
EC03-58-31XE - Latch-door, RH - Qty. 1 - Front
EC03-59-31XE - Latch-door, LH - Qty. 1 - Front
EC02-72-31XF - Latch-door, RH - Qty. 1 - Rear
EC02-73-31XF - Latch-door, LH - Qty. 1 - Rear

WARRANTY INFORMATION
Warranty Type: A
Symptom Code: 41
Damage Code: 92
Part Number Main Cause: See part(s) information
Quantity: 1
Operation Number / Labor Hours: YY312XRX / 1.5 hrs (Replace one front door latch), YY313XRX / 0.6 hrs (Replace one rear door latch).

Note:
This information applies to verified customer complaints on vehicles covered under normal warranty. Refer to the SRT microfiche for warranty term information.

REPAIR PROCEDURE
Information
Use the procedures to gain access to either a front or a rear door and replace the failed door latch mechanism

Procedure # 1
FRONT DOOR NON-FUNCTIONAL - LATCH REPLACEMENT

Removal
WARNING:
Always wear safety glasses when repairing an air bag supplemental restraint system (SRS) vehicle and when handling an air bag module. This will reduce the risk of injury in the event of an accidental deployment.

WARNING:
To avoid accidental deployment and possible personal injury, the backup power supply must be depleted before repairing or replacing any front or side air bag supplemental restraint system (SRS) components and before service, replacing, adjusting, or striking components near the front or side air bag sensors, such as doors, instrument panel, console, door latches, strikers, seats, and hood latches.

WARNING:
The restraint system diagnostic tool is for restraint system service only. Remove from vehicle prior to road use. Failure to remove could result in injury and possible violation of vehicle safety standards.

NOTE:
To deplete the backup power supply energy, disconnect the battery ground cable and wait at least one minute. Be sure to disconnect auxiliary batteries and power supplies (if equipped).

NOTE:
Restraint system diagnostic tools must be installed under the seats in the side air bag to floor connector.

NOTE:
Inside cabin needs to be accessed from an alternate door to begin procedure.

1. Move the front seat(s) to center position and the affected door glass completely down.

2. Disconnect the battery negative cable and wait at least one minute.

3. Lower the glove compartment by depressing the locking tabs. Disconnect the passenger air bag module electrical connector and connect the special tool (418-F468) to the instrument panel harness side of the passenger air bag module electrical connector.


4. Lower the driver air bag connector access cover on steering wheel and disconnect the driver air bag module electrical connector. Connect the special tool (41 8-F468) to the steering column harness side of the driver air bag module electrical connector.


5. Disconnect the passenger seat belt pretensioner electrical connector and connect the special tool (418-F468) to the passenger seat belt pretensioner harness side electrical connector.

6. Disconnect the driver seat belt pretensioner electrical connector and connect the special tool (418-F468) to the passenger seat belt pretensioner harness side electrical connector.

(Vehicle equipped with side air bags)

7. Disconnect the passenger seat side air bag module electrical connector located under the seat and connect the special tool (418-F470) to the passenger seat air bag module body harness electrical connector.

8. Disconnect the driver seat side air bag module electrical connector located under the seat and connect the special tool (418-F470) to the driver seat air bag module body harness electrical connector.

(All Vehicles)

9. Connect battery negative cable.

10. Remove the front seat assembly track to floor nuts.

11. Remove the front seat assembly.
CAUTION:
Use care when handling the seat and track assembly. Dropping the assembly or sitting on a seat not secured in the vehicle may result in damaged components.

12. Remove the safety belt D-ring cover and bolt.

13. Position the front and rear door weatherstrips aside and remove the upper B-pillar trim panel.


14. Remove the front and rear door scuff plates.

15. Remove the lower B-pillar trim to gain access to the screw that is horizontal in the door panel and remove the screw.


16. Remove the screw from front door latch release handle bezel and remove bezel.

17. Remove door handle cup screw.

18. Remove the door panel plastic clips to gain access to the door latch.
NOTE:
^ One screw at top front corner of door panel, which touches dash, cannot be removed until door is open.
^ Starting at top right corner of door panel moving clockwise, remove door panel.

19. Position aside the door panel.
CAUTION:
^ Do not scratch door when positioning aside door panel.
^ Moving door panel aide more than 6 inches may cause door panel to crease or break.

20. Peel back water shield and position aside to gain access to latch area.


21. Reach in with a small screwdriver and insert screwdriver into latch assembly at outside base of electrical connector below metal actuating lever and pry up.
NOTE:
If lever will not move freely, cycle the door lock button and door handle to free lever.


22. Open door and move glass to the up position.
CAUTION:
Be careful not to damage door panel when opening door.

23. Remove the last screw and remove door panel.

24. Remove front door latch according to Workshop Manual (section 09-14 SECURITY AND LOCKS).

Installation
1. Disconnect battery negative cable and wait at least one minute.

2. Install new latch according to Workshop Manual (section 09-14 SECURITY AND LOCKS).

3. Install door trim panel according to Workshop Manual (section 09-17 INTERIOR TRIM).

4. Install B-pillar trim panel according to Workshop Manual (section 09-17 INTERIOR TRIM).

5. Install the seat assembly.
Tightening Torque: 48 N.m (35 lb-ft)

(Vehicles equipped with side air bags)

6. Remove the special tool from the passenger seat air bag module body harness electrical connector and connect the passenger seat air bag module electrical connector.

7. Remove the special tool from the driver seat air bag module body harness electrical connector and connect the driver seat air bag module electrical connector.

(All vehicles)

8. Remove the special tool from the passenger seat belt pretensioner body harness electrical connector and connect the passenger seat belt pretensioner electrical connector.

9. Remove the special tool from the driver seat belt pretensioner body harness electrical connector and connect the driver seat belt pretensioner electrical connector.

10. Remove the special tool from the steering column harness side of the driver air bag module electrical connector and connect the driver air bag module electrical connector. Install the driver air bag connector access cover.

11. Remove the special tool from the instrument panel harness side of the passenger air bag module electrical connector and connect the passenger air bag module electrical connector. Close the glove compartment.

12. Connect the battery negative cable.

13. Verify the restraint system for correct operation.

14. Verify repair.

Procedure # 2
REAR DOOR NON-FUNCTIONAL - LATCH REPLACEMENT

Removal
1. Remove the rear seat cushion.

2. Remove door trim panel according to Workshop Manual (section 09-17 INTERIOR TRIM).

3. Position aside the water shield.

4. Reach in with a small screwdriver and insert screwdriver into latch assembly at outside base of electrical connector below metal actuating lever and pry up.
NOTE:
If lever will not move freely, cycle the door lock button and door handle to free lever.


5. Remove rear door latch according to Workshop Manual (section 09-14 SECURITY AND LOCKS).

Installation
1. Install new latch according to Workshop Manual (section 09-14 SECURITY AND LOCKS).

2. Install door trim panel according to Workshop Manual (section 09-17 INTERIOR TRIM).

3. Install rear seat cushion.

4. Verify repair.

 

Excellent!