98 door locks

[etc]

Big daddy Karl - That happened to me too, '96, I just kept tugging and turning it, It eventually unlocked, Im thinking something got stuck there, debris or something.

 

[ga_sport4X4]

same problem.... lots of lithium grease seemed to help.

 

[NavyAg]

I have to grab the door lock button and pull up at the same time I hit the power unlock button. I have a broken spring in my door latch.

When you press the power door lock/unlock button, does it make the door lock actuator pop up and down? If the actuator doesnt move and you need a new one send me a PM. I have one that I bought because I thought that was my problem but it turned out to be the latch.

Hey X24, do you still have the lock actuator. I have a 96 Explorer XLT and the actuator just makes a whirling noise when you hit the button. You can lock and unlock manually and with the key but the electric lock does nothing. Will this fit a 96 model and how much if it does?
NavyAg

 

[X24]

Yes, I still have it and as far as I know, everything should be the same. I'll send you an email with the details.

 

[Electrohacker]

stupid ford, not putting in working lock knobs..

 

[sakirfp]

I had the lock mech go bad on my 98. Could nto open the door from the inside or out. I was goin to have the Dealership fix it but it was goin to cost a crap load of money . I bought the lock mechanizm and changed it my self. The way I got the door open was I climbed in the passenger side and the back seat and took the seat out. I removed the all screws holding the panel on..I then yanked the door panel off. It was a little pain around the dash but I got it off with no damage. I then reached in and opened the door. Changed the mech and has been work ever since.

 

[stubborn1]

I'm also having issues with the locks on my 98 x.

No keyless entry, but when I turn the key in passenger door, all the locks unlock except the drivers door. I hear the actuator working and it moves the knob about halfway to the up position. The key will not unlock it from the outside. I can open the door handle from the inside and it will unlock (all the other doors unlock at the same time also).

My rear hatch lock seems to be working the same way - won't unlock all the way with the automatic unlock. I can use the key to finish unlocking the hatch though.

Any ideas???

 

[X24]

Probably a broken door latch and the rear might just be sticky. Try spraying the hell out of all your latches. These latches need to be lubed constantly otherwise they stick and dont work right.

 

[stubborn1]

Anyone have a part number on the door latch? I checked www.fordpartsnetwork.com but couldn't find what I was looking for.

Usually spraying the latches good helps the condition for a few weeks, but this last time it didn't help. It also seems the the "spring feeling" when you pull up on the drivers door handle is going away. I get almost no resistance now when I open the door. Could this be related to the latch also?

 

[X24]

Yes. The spring feeling will come back when you replace the latch. Email Torrie at ford parts network. They have the part.

 

[Garth]

I have the lock problem with my 98 also. When I try to open the doors, they all open except the driver side. You can see it jump but not far enough to open. I looked into the lach mechanism and found a broken spring and I was able to pull it out with a bird beak but the problem comes and go now. I can open my door from the inside though. Btw when the door lock jams and I try to open it with the key it pulls the connecting rod from the cylinder.

 

[X24]

A new latch will solve your problem.

 

[Garth]

How much does the latch cost?

 

[sakirfp]

I paid $38 for the hatch mech this week at the Ford Dealer.

 

[LiKuiD]

Mine just started being dumb too. And guess what? It's a 98 .

So im guess its either the latch or the actuator? I took the panel off and looked around but I didnt see the spring you are all talking about. What it basically does is when I hit the unlock/lock on either the door or remote the driver door lock does nothing at all. I dont even hear any mechanical efforts. I have to open/lock it from the outside with a key.

Any suggestions?

 

[X24]

If you hit the unlock/lock button and the lock button doesnt even budge then I would say its the actuator especially since you dont hear anything. If that is the problem and you need and actuator, I have one... brand new. Send me a PM if you're interested.

 

[Baileybc]

Yes, it is possible to remove the rear door panel while the door is locked. I used a pry bar, like the small end for removing nails. Also a right angle claw hammer would work. First remove the floor molding trim that connects the front seat retractor reel to the rear and front floors. These are just clips. If the panel clips remain in the door, just remove them with a panel clip remover, NAPA part about $11 and get the one withe the very wide mouth...Taiwan. Hey, how to remove the lock actuator?