94 XLT drivers door latch problem

[bdcaron]

Once my door is opened my drivers side door latch is not "resetting" in the proper position internally so that when I close the door it doesn't latch. Instead of latching the door bounces off.

Everything is aligned. I can manually move the latches then is closes perfectly.

I think it's an internal problem within the the latch. Before I buy a new one I thought I'd ask in case it's just a spring or something.

I just found this website, thanks in advance for any help.

 

[stanmimo]

Same thing happened to me just today. 94 Explorer sport.

 

[ld50]

That`s wierd I always thought the act of opening the doors is what opens the latch. I would probably spray some brakeclean on them to dissolve any gunk, then re-lube them, Might just be that they are getting sticky...

 

[Champcar_Fan]

There is a plastic bushing that goes on the striker bolt that the latch attaches to when you close the door. Is that still intact or even present? If not, replacing it makes a huge difference on how the latch engages.

 

[bdcaron]

Champcar_Fan - that's what the guy at Ford told me also. The problem is the little finger that grab the striker close after I open the door. I have to manually open them before closing the door again.

The parts guy at Ford said they sell a lot of these latches. They had it in stock for my 94 xlt so that says something.

If I get the latch fixed I'm going to change the striker next.

Thanks for the input.
Bruce