door lock problem

[DanDan]

Hey I'm new and have been reading posts for a couple weeks and have found lots of great info, a little bit on this problem, but i need some more.

I'm having a problem with my 2000 mountaineer's driver side door lock.

It started like a week ago when the door would get stuck locked or unlocked, but after a few tries locking and unlocking, I could get it unstuck. It has gotten progressively worse to the point that now it is stuck unlocked and when I try to lock it, the little lock knob moves down a tiny bit like it is trying to lock, but stops maybe a quarter of the way down.

I want to try and fix it myself instead of taking it to ford and wasting $200. I was wondering if I can just take off the armrest part with the window and lock controls (and the best way to go about that) instead of taking the whole door panel off.

 

[bdf]

nope pull the whole panel, and when you get that off, don't be afraid to remove the window guide, its only one bolt and there no adjustment so don't be afraid. it will give you the room to work, sounds like the door lock actuator or the little plastic keeper for the actual exterior door lock broke. ether way it takes some time but is not brain surgery.