Driver door no unlock

[idleclamp]

Hi everybody! I have a driver side door lock issue that maybe somebody can help me with. About 3 years ago my driver side electric door lock actuator quit working I bought a new one, drilled out the rivet, and replaced the actuator. About a month ago, I went to unlock the doors using the fob and the driver side door won't unlock. I had to reach in from the rear passenger door to open the door.

When I finally got around to troubleshooting, I noticed that my previous rivet was moving everytime I hit the locks. I replaced the rivet and now it's rock solid, BUT, it still won't unlock. The only way the door will unlock is by using the interior door handle. Some more digging and I discovered that if I push up slightly (take the slack out) on the rod from the outside door handle to the door actuator, it works just fine. Let it go and it won't work. My initial thought is to give the yellow nut a few more turns to take out the slack. But I'm sure there's probably a spring or something broken. Any ideas? Do I need a new door latch?

Thanks in advance.

 

[scucci]

Broken spring in the door latch. New Ford part is about $40.00
Look at this thread:
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=165081&highlight=door+latch&page=3

 

[idleclamp]

Thank you very much. Now I just have to find a door latch....

 

[idleclamp]

Update

The broken spring in the latch was exactly what the problem was. I found one at the dealership and after giving them $50, they gave me a latch. It took about an hour to R&R it.

Thanks for all the help, my wallet appreciates it!!!!!