driver's side door won't unlock/open

[astrochimp]

I've done a search and read a little..
My problem is just that the door won't unlock...it's that it won't OPEN either.
The inside latch feels like it's not doing anything, like it's not connected.

GREAT.


I'm not sure if i can take the inside of the door apart without it open..all I see is the two screws next to the handle.

Anyone have any Input on this situation?

THANKS

 

[X24]

You have to unlock the door before it will open. My latch is broken right now and the only way I can get it to open is to grab the lock post and twist it while hitting the unlock button over and over. It usually takes 3 or 4 times till it unlocks. Some people hit the unlock button while pulling on the inside door handle. Chances are its the little spring inside your latch that broke. The only fix it to replace the latch. I ordered one from www.fordpartsnetwork.com for $20 or so. Probably just gonna wait a few more months to see if my balls grow any bigger before I try replacing it myself.

 

[astrochimp]

Originally posted by X24
You have to unlock the door before it will open. My latch is broken right now and the only way I can get it to open is to grab the lock post and twist it while hitting the unlock button over and over. It usually takes 3 or 4 times till it unlocks. Some people hit the unlock button while pulling on the inside door handle. Chances are its the little spring inside your latch that broke. The only fix it to replace the latch. I ordered one from www.fordpartsnetwork.com for $20 or so. Probably just gonna wait a few more months to see if my balls grow any bigger before I try replacing it myself.

I can't unlock the door that's the problem.
Pulling on the inside door handle does nothing cuz it's not attached to anything inside right now.
I have a haynes manual and it says to use a screwdriver to separate the inside of the door from the door but I can't find those clips and I can't even do it until the door is open
.

 

[X24]

Try this... hit the unlock button and when it tries to push the lock post up grab it. Then twist it back and forth while hitting the unlock button over and over. That's how I open mine. And no, I don't think you can get the door panel off with out opening the door.

 

[twomedicine]

door latch

See if you can find my posting on the latch replacement. I did the work about mid- August of this yr.

I wouldn't think you'd be able to remove that door panel without the door in the open position. And a trim removal tool is best, or try a tape wrapped Stanley Wonder Bar (for protecting your paint).

I wonder if a "slim jim" would help...maybe not if the latch is boken and its jaws are grabbing that striker bolt. Power locks don't work?

The latch job isn't that bad, really. It's in a cramped working area. A backpacker's/climber's style headlamp really helps a lot and along with some calm nerves. And Fordpartsnetwork has those latches//

2Med

 

[astrochimp]

Persistence is the KEY here apparently..
I finally got the lock to pop up after messing with it constantly..
i got it all apart and found the suspect broken spring..pulled that out(what does it do anyways)

I will look for the latch replacement instructions...I just want to find out Exactly what needs to be replaced.
I really can't see too well inside the door.

Good instructions on replacing whatever is broke will make this job Easy.

OH, my plastic door handle is broke too apparently..when I moved it, it doesn't move the metal connecting rod. Looks like something cracked off when you look inside the handle.

THANKS TONS

 

[twomedicine]

little spring

Glad to hear you now have an opportunity to get inside the door panel. Chances are the linkages are all hooked up OK since most of them really cannot fall off as they'd do in the older cars. But that is what makes this job a little more tricky when extracting the latch assy; the linkages with the exception of about two will have to come out with the latch assy while attached. It's a twister/

If it's the same little spring within the latch that's broken in yours as within mine, it keeps tension on a tab that allows the thing to open. But when broken it kind of moves about, and defaults into the not allow position. But if monkey'd with, it'll go either way/ It's really a complex little assy and I was surprized at the low cost for a replacement part.

If your exterior door handle needs replacing, I think you need a rivet tool for fastening the assy back after drilling the old rivets from the old broken assy. The rivets are large....not the size for doing house gutters and alum siding work, a good bit larger as you will note

Good luck~

 

[astrochimp]

actually it's the interior handle..
i hope THOse don't cost much

 

[twomedicine]

interior handle

You are in luck since that interior handle assy is pinned onto the interior door skin by only 2 screws. I wouldn't think those would cost much and should be avail through the Forpartsnetwork.com looking maybe under the "Collision" area of the parts finder. Or just email Torrie. He seems to be at the computer all the time~