Doors don't latch when cold??
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 142
Likes: 0
Doors don't latch when cold??
I have a 2004 FX4 extended cab and have had a problem with the doors latching when it's cold. I live in northern MN and this happens primarily when it is like 0 degrees and colder. It is weird because it takes like 4-5x of trying to shut the doors to get them to stick shut. It is like the latch won't catch. Could the mechanism be gummed up with grease or gunk maybe?? It only does this when very cold.
Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,263
Likes: 17
From: New Castle, PA
Are you talking about the suicide style rear doors. If so i have the same problem when it gets really cold. What i noticed is that the bottom latch is the one that doesnt really catch, and i think what happens is that moisture and grime from the road works its way in between the doors and freezes up that latch, because i have noticed if im having that problem and i pull my truck in the garage and let it warm up a bit, it latches fine.
Maybe some of that de-icer spray that they make for locks would work.
I just slam them real hard when i know its warm enough that they will latch and then i just try not to open the back doors for anything.
Sorry, if your not having the problem with the suicide type doors.
Maybe some of that de-icer spray that they make for locks would work.
I just slam them real hard when i know its warm enough that they will latch and then i just try not to open the back doors for anything.
Sorry, if your not having the problem with the suicide type doors.
Elder User
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 638
Likes: 0
Another stuff that's good is a teflon spray lubricant. It comes in a black and red can and I think it's called Tef-lube or something similar, I don't have it here anymore but I'll get some more when I see it, it's very good. One thing I would do is read the temp ranges for any of this stuff, not all are made for very low temps, and I would clean the latches out real good too.
Postmaster
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 2,873
Likes: 0
From: St. Peter
I usually use a brake parts cleaner of whatever brand and spray the door latch. I have noticed that if you are not careful (I.E. load it up with WD-40) it will attract alot of grime. I personally believe that in the case of door latches, you would be better off cleaning it with brake cleaner, to remove all the grease and grime, and leaving it unlubricated. If you are going to lube it, do so with a dry style lubricant like lithium grease. It tends not to attract as much dirt.
Freshman User
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 47
Likes: 0
We had a cold morning the other day here in NJ and the rear doors on my 2007 Scab wouldn't open. It was almost like the whole latch mechanism just went limp and the lever wasn't connected to any of the parts inside the door. Everything was fine after it warmed up a bit later in the day.
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 142
Likes: 0
Yes it seems like the suicide door latches do not lock up tight. Especially, the bottom one does not latch as tight as it should. Then it seems the main door will not shut good and when it does, it seems to have some play? I am going to try the brake cleaner solvent to try and clean some of the junk out of the mechanisms. I did look and it seems they are dirty.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
hillcountryflt
1967 - 1972 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
3
Nov 30, 2014 12:33 PM
cbasye
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
6
Jun 29, 2014 08:14 PM
kyle1979ford
1973 - 1979 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
5
Mar 28, 2014 08:16 PM
