Help needed -- Driver's door lock won't move (with pics)

[Reach]

Hello everyone,

As I mentioned in my intro thread, one of the problems in my explorer is that the driver's door will not lock. The pin is stuck in "unlock" position, and even with extreme force, it will not move down to lock. The electronic locking system in the car is still functioning, and using it will lock/unlock every door except the driver's door.

I had a chance to tear down the door this weekend and try to diagnose the issue (as well as fix my unrelated problem of a broken interior door handle- replaced with a new handle and good as new). I found the following:

* Loose metal 'pin' with a bend in the end of it. I believe this should go into the extension of the key lock cylinder, but I am not positive. The rear end of this pin is a bent 'o' shape which loosely is connected to the locking mechanism.

* locking mechanism can be operated by hand, but is very stiff. Attempting to use the normal lock pin to raise / lower the locking mechanism does not work, and the electronic system still will not raise or lower it. Yet, I can operate it by hand... interesting.

Here are some diagnostic pictures I took:

Any help diagnosing this would be greatly appreciated. I am hoping this is something I am able to fix without shop involvement. Thank you for your time.

 

[dmac0923]

i would pop the passenger side door panel off and compare the two.

 

[BobWiersema]

I had the same problem with my 98, I replaced all those little clips that connect the rods to the various mechanisms. I found the parts at AutoZone. They were origonaley rusty metal but the new ones are plastic. It does get aggravating when you hit the button to lock the doors and then the kids open it and set off the alarm.

Bob

 

[mnm0873]

My 1997 Explorer does the same thing. But then I also have a problem with not being able to open my driver side passenger door at all either.

 

[popo]

and the fix is what> i have the same dilemma, want to know where or how that rod attaches to the ke lock , or if it does

 

[iwannabamedic]

I just got my part for LMCtruck.com and installed. the door latch is bad, 61.00 after shipping. I would just replace the whole latch. I tried one from the salvage yard lasted a month. now it is smooth locking and unlocking, i also replaced the lock mechanism on the outer lock that connects to the latch.

Just my 2 cents

 

[SaleenJOE]

Sounds like the same thing my 99 just stared doing. Started with being tough to unlock it with the key now it wont lock at all cant force it down and wont work when u use the lock button. guess i need to order a door latch

Joe

 

[gavin]

so I've had the "floppy" door handle for over a year now.
I used to have the hard to lock/unlock the driver's side door only.

I pulled the inner door panel, cleaned the hell out of everything with CRC Electric Parts Cleaner (CRC Brake Parts Cleaner eats paint for lunch), then spraying it down with WD40, and I've had no issues with the lock lately.

Previously, when I first started having issues with the lock, I had put some 3-in-1 Oil and WD40 down the hole in the door panel for the lock, which never did any good.

Long story short: remove door panel, clean, grease. Door handle may still flop, but lock may work correctly.