Door latch is broken

[ImprezaFreak]

Hi. I've been a reader for a while, but this is my first post. Unfortunately its about a repair.

So to start out... I have a 1994 Ford Explorer XLT. On the driver side, it had the infamous saggy door issue and the broken door handle problem as well (i lifted up on the handle too hard trying to close it =/). I ended up replacing the entire door and the hinge pins instead of messing around with the innards.

Everything seemed fine until one day the latch (you know, the part that latches around the pin that's on the body) stopped working. It is slightly jammed up inside the body and no longer catches the door. I've been using a bungee cord to hold the door shut, because it will fly open if I make a right turn.

I guess my question is... is that easily replaceable? And if so... where can I find the parts?

Thank you!

PS: Don't mind the name, I've been using this internet handle since I was 15 (and, back then, very much a sport car enthusiast, haha).

PPS: I'll post pictures of the issue tomorrow when its lighter out and I can snap some.

 

[Sams01XplrSprt]

welcome

 

[YourNameHere]

A bungee cord?

 

[TedJ]

Does it look like it's in the latched position? (i.e. the little arm is down so there is basically a circular hole in the middle) Or is it in the unlatched position? (should look like the one on the other door)

If it's stuck open, you could try spraying some lube in there and seeing if you can get it moving with a screwdriver, if not then then you might just have to replace the latch.

If it's stuck closed (i've seen this happen) then hold up on the door handle and move the latch to the open position with a screwdriver.

Also, make sure the pin (part screwed into the door jamb) has not become loose. If it does, it can move closer to the inside and then it will not go far enough into the latch to allow it to close onto it.

I didn't see the latch on roackauto.com, you might have to go to the dealer or the junkyard to get one out.

 

[ImprezaFreak]

Does it look like it's in the latched position? (i.e. the little arm is down so there is basically a circular hole in the middle) Or is it in the unlatched position? (should look like the one on the other door)

If it's stuck open, you could try spraying some lube in there and seeing if you can get it moving with a screwdriver, if not then then you might just have to replace the latch.

If it's stuck closed (i've seen this happen) then hold up on the door handle and move the latch to the open position with a screwdriver.

Also, make sure the pin (part screwed into the door jamb) has not become loose. If it does, it can move closer to the inside and then it will not go far enough into the latch to allow it to close onto it.

I didn't see the latch on roackauto.com, you might have to go to the dealer or the junkyard to get one out.

Thanks for the response. Sorry I didn't describe what I tried in more detail. I actually tried all of the solutions you provided. Unfortunately, its so jammed that I would need a sledge hammer to get it to come loose (plus it looks like it may have snapped off in a few areas.

I also was not able to find the part on several websites. I guess the junkyard it is then!

Oh yeah... and is this easily replaceable? I pulled the panel off for a look and it looks like everything is riveted or welded together (as opposed to screws/clips).

 

[TedJ]

You might have to drill out some rivets, look by the sides of the latch (on the outside of the door), I can't remember now if there are flat headed allen screws or if it is riveted in.

Also, if you have to disconnect those little plastic things that hold the linkage, they turn to one side then the rod comes out. Don't pry them.

I think junkyard is your best bet...

 

[ImprezaFreak]

You might have to drill out some rivets, look by the sides of the latch (on the outside of the door), I can't remember now if there are flat headed allen screws or if it is riveted in.

Also, if you have to disconnect those little plastic things that hold the linkage, they turn to one side then the rod comes out. Don't pry them.

I think junkyard is your best bet...

Gotcha. Thanks for the info, its a huge help!