Door lock and drivers door handle help

[That1guy12345]

My 97 explorer has some problems.

Ok first the drivers door lock gets pissy most of the time. When I hit the lock button it wont lock. It tries to, but fails. I can push the rod down and it still wont go down and lock. It fights it. Now every once in awhile it will lock just fine. Also I cant unlock it with the key from the outside and the keyless entry will only unlock it once in a blue moon. How do I fix these things?

The second thing. The outer door handle is very loose. It works fine, but its very sloppy and has to lift all the way up to open the door. How do I fix this?

Detail instructions would be wonderful. Thank you very much for the help.

 

[Fabbed4d88]

The lock acctuator sounds like it is taking a dump on you. I believe it has rivits that hold it in and the lock rod is just screwed on. drill out the rivits and replace with 1/4x20 bolts w/nuts.

The sloppy door handle is probably just old and the spring is worn out. You will probably be better off replacing the handle (unless someone sells just the spring) I believe the handle is rivited in as well. drill them and re-rivit.

 

[That1guy12345]

Ok where can I find a cheap replacement for the handle and lock acctuator? They hard to replace?

 

[Fabbed4d88]

For the handle and actuator:
http://www.nationalautopart.net/catalog/index.php/cPath/11_5098


It can be a PITA but not to bad. Probably wouldn't be a bad idea to invest in a cheep rivit gun.

 

[fordpower1989]

I am having the same problem with my passenger side. Last night i took the whole lock system out of the inside of the door(which was a pain) and greased it up. put it back in(even bigger pain) but it seemed to work fine for about 5 mintues.. I am jus going to get the whole thing new from ford its like 40 dollars i think.

 

[That1guy12345]

So it looks like if I get a new outside handle I have to get it painted. Great. So I cant just replace the spring in it?

 

[Fabbed4d88]

That I can't tell you...never had mine apart.

 

[Sbyrne97]

I know everyone says this but..use the search

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=165081&highlight=door+handle+replacement