Driver's door locks and won't open

[tampabronco]

My driver's side door locks and is hard to get open. Do I need to replace the latch? ANy suggestions?

 

[backpain]

The good thing about 35+ yr old vehicles - simplicity. Take off the inner panel and check it out. Yes could easily be the latch assembly or rod connection problems. These things are often a combination of bent/weak rod and hard-to-move parts, etc. The panel is easy to get off after the armrest, window crank, etc. Fiddle around and you will see how it all works.

Removal of the latch assembly is pretty easy also.

 

[399strokerEB]

Mine did that to me for a few days before I finally pulled the panel off and sprayed some fluid film in there and worked all the linkage and haven't had an issue since.

 

[NY-Bronco]

Probably old dried lithium grease. Clean it out regrease and chances are you will be good to go. And you dont have to slam the doors shut anymore.

 

[VADJ]

Do your doors sag? I had this problem. I lifted the door up by the window frame while my friend on the inside pulled the latch and opened the door. Then I added some washers to the hinges and never got stuck again.

 

[Dano50]

If you haven't tried FLUID FILM yet and live in the US, just PM me for a free sample. We even pay for shipping.

 

[broncoman1972]

Had this problem on mine. I cleaned and lubed the latches but it didn't help. What I found is there is a piece on the latch that supprts another part that actuates the lock rod (I know you can picture those pieces perfectly now, right????:?) Anyway, one piece was visibly worn so I carefully added metal with the welder then filed it to shape and it has worked perfectly since. If it comes down to it, I can take a picture of a spare latch and mark it with the pieces I'm talking about.

 

[Steve83]

This thread explains how to fix it, and how to modify it so you never get locked inside. Pics included! ;D
http://classicbroncos.com/forums/showthread.php?t=178212

 

[jlong1974]

Do your doors sag?

x2. My doors were saging added to old body bushings. The would close just fine but wouldn't open with out lifting up. I worked on the hinges and that helped but once I replaced the body bushings as well problem solved. Now the gaps are even and the doors work like new.

James