Latch assembly ford explorer door lock diagram

Q: Why is door latch not working?

When a door latch wont catch, its because the latch doesnt align with the hole in the strike plate. Sometimes you can clearly see the misalignment. If not, do the lipstick test.” Smear lipstick on the latch and stick masking tape to the strike plate.

Question

Ford Explorer: Handles, Locks, Latches and Entry Systems / Removal and Installation - Front Door Latch

Removal

NOTE: LH (left-hand) side shown, RH (right-hand) side similar.

NOTE: Removal steps in this procedure may contain installation details.

Remove the front door window regulator and motor.
Refer to: Front Door Window Regulator and Motor (501-11 Glass, Frames and Mechanisms, Removal and Installation).

Remove the exterior front door handle.
Refer to: Exterior Front Door Handle (501-14 Handles, Locks, Latches and Entry Systems, Removal and Installation).

If equipped.
Remove the door lock cylinder.
1. If equipped.
  Release the door lock cylinder retaining tab.
1. If equipped.
  Remove the door lock cylinder.

Remove the screw from the exterior front door handle reinforcement.
Torque: 62 lb.in (7 Nm)

Remove the front door glass run and bracket bolts.
Torque: 19 lb.in (2.2 Nm)

Disconnect the electrical connectors.
1. If equipped.
  Disconnect the keyless entry keypad electrical connector.
1. Disconnect the front door latch electrical connector.
1. Disconnect the front door latch jumper harness electrical connector.

Remove the front door latch bolts.
Torque: 71 lb.in (8 Nm)

Remove the front door latch.

NOTE: This step is only necessary when installing a new component.

Release the cable tension by turning the release screw until the handle lever releases from the stop.
1. Turn the release screw until the handle lever releases from the stop.
1. Release the handle lever from the stop.

NOTE: This step is only necessary when installing a new component.

Remove the exterior front door handle reinforcement.
1. Press the locking tab down.
1. If equipped.
  Disconnect the door lock cylinder rod.
1. Release the cable from the routing clips and detach the exterior front door handle reinforcement.
1. Detach the cable from the exterior front door handle reinforcement cable bracket.
1. Remove the cable eyelet from the lever.

NOTE: This step is only necessary when installing a new component.

Remove the front door glass run and bracket.
1. Release the exterior front door handle reinforcement handle cable from the routing tabs.
1. Disconnect and remove the front door latch harness electrical connector.
1. Release the front door glass run and bracket retaining tabs.
1. Remove the front door glass run and bracket from the front door latch.

NOTE: This step is only necessary when installing a new component.
Remove the front door latch lock rod.

NOTE: This step is only necessary when installing a new component.
Remove the exterior front door handle reinforcement to front door latch cable access cover.

NOTE: This step is only necessary when installing a new component.

Remove the exterior front door handle reinforcement to front door latch cable.

NOTE: This step is only necessary when installing a new component.

Remove the interior front door handle cable and lock indicator cable access covers.
1. Remove the lock indicator cable access cover.
1. Remove the interior front door handle cable access cover.

NOTE: This step is only necessary when installing a new component.

Remove the interior front door handle cable and lock indicator cable.
1. Remove the lock indicator cable.
1. Remove the interior front door handle cable.

Installation

To install, reverse the removal procedure.

NOTE: This step is only necessary when installing a new component.
NOTE: This step must be done correctly or the exterior door handle will not engage the lever on installation.

Position the exterior front door handle reinforcement in the service position.
1. While keeping tension on the cable and holding the handle lever in the engaged position against the stop.
1. Turn the release screw until the handle lever is positioned against the stop.

Carry out the power door window initialization.
Refer to: Power Door Window Initialization (501-11 Glass, Frames and Mechanisms, General Procedures).

Why is door latch not working?

When a door latch won't catch, it's because the latch doesn't align with the hole in the strike plate. Sometimes you can clearly see the misalignment. If not, do the “lipstick test.” Smear lipstick on the latch and stick masking tape to the strike plate.

latch assembly ford explorer door lock diagram Automasterx