Drivers Door Won't Open from Outside

[sdhofste]

My Aunt has a 2004 Explorer XLT and she had a run-in the other day that resulted in minor damage to the area around the drivers side door handle. The door was open and something caught it and pulled it "too far open" and bent some of the sheet metal by the door. I was able to get it very close to the same shape as it should be but I am having an issue with the lock/latch. Here is what I have found:

1. All Linkages in the door itself appear to be OK.
2. If the door is unlocked I can open and close at will from either the interior or exterior handle.
3. I can lock the door using the key, remote keyless or interior manual switch.
4. When pressing unlock on the key fob or number pad or sliding the manual latch I can see and hear it moving but...

The issue occurs that when the door is locked then unlocked, with the door closed the exterior handle does not open the door, it acts as it if is locked. The only way to open it is to use the interior handle which has a pushrod that has some unique method of unlocking the door.

Any help? I'm thinking I need to replace the latch but I would hate to waste $$$

 

[2Trux]

This sounds more like a problem with the power door lock motor. It probably is not fully unlocking the door. From your description the door handle works except when using the fob to unlock. Try using the key to unlock the door and see if the outside handle works. If it does I would go with my first suggestion.

 

[sdhofste]

Thanks for the response! The exterior door handle will not open the door if the door has been closed and locked, regardless of how it is unlocked. I can have someone inside slide the manual unlock and it still will not open from the outside.

 

[2Trux]

Take the inner door panel off and inspect the linkages and see if there is something broken or bent. You can fake the door latching while it is open so you can see what is moving while you are operating the locks and handles. This should give you a clue to what is bad.

 

[BigRondo]

Here you go:

How To: Remove/Replace 3rd Gen Door Panel

Good luck getting it sorted.

Please keep us posted as feedback helps others reading this post looking for a fix to the same or similar issue!

 

[sdhofste]

I have had the panel off and all linkages look to be fully functional which is what makes this so frustrating. There is, however, the main latch assembly which is partially obstructed by the left side of the inside of the door where the linkages connect. That is where I think the problem lies.