1997 Explorer door problem

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Mar 14, 2010 | 02:21 PM

mwood1973

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1997 Explorer door problem

I have a 1997 Explorer and the drivers door will not open. I cannot open it manually or electrically. The handles will not open the door either. I have been told that the lock actuator has gone bad. I have looked to see how to remove it but i cant see how. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks.

Mar 14, 2010 | 06:08 PM

shorod

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From: Cedar Rapids, IA

If the handles don't work either, the problem is more than just a bad lock. That sounds more like a linkage issue to the latch. Can you feel the lock mechanism when using a key in the door to lock/unlock it?

-Rod

Mar 14, 2010 | 07:02 PM

mwood1973

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When I try to use the key it will not turn so no I can't feel the linkage. When i use the key less entry i hear the actuator function.

Mar 14, 2010 | 07:12 PM

aquanaut20

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From: BC Canada

Quote:

Originally Posted by mwood1973

When I try to use the key it will not turn so no I can't feel the linkage. When i use the key less entry i hear the actuator function.

You need someone (tow truck or locksmith) that knows how to use a "SLIM JIM" to trip the latch, once the door is open remove the inner door panel and reconnect linkage.

While you are in there, lubricate all the pivot joints and free up the lock cylinder.

Mar 18, 2010 | 12:50 PM

fmrplt

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I've got this problem too. However, we can open the door from the inside. We pulled the interior panel off but found everything appeared to be hooked up fine. There were some small springs in the door lock that were sticking out and fell off. The door opens and closes fine from the inside. Feels a little harder pull though. The key will not turn the door lock. The actuator will not open the door lock, but it does lock it.