81 door lock problem
Thread Starter
Navigator
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
81 door lock problem
The passenger door on my 81 wasn't working properly so I replaced the door latch assembly. It is still doing the same thing. The door won't shut. The outside handle is hard to push to open the door. Also when you try to manually unlock the door from the inside it is almost impossible without a pair of pliers. Does anybody have any ideas what I can do to fix this? Thank You.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 9,192
Likes: 27
From: Boca Raton Florida
Old grease and misalignment does that.
Take the latch assy out, clean it up and get it working before installing it back in the door. Connect up 1 link at a time and adjust it correctly.
Take the latch assy out, clean it up and get it working before installing it back in the door. Connect up 1 link at a time and adjust it correctly.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 19,294
Likes: 2,753
From: Charlotte NC
*** BOLD PRINT is me NOT yelling....just trying to show IMPORTANCE*****
IF you have power door locks??? If so....disconnect the rod that goes to the LATCH from the door lock actuator. Then check and see if it is easy to 'lock and unlock' manually.
Actually...what do you mean the door won't shut???? Do you mean that when you shut the door...it just bounces back at you???? AND does not latch and hold????
HOPEFULLY...you properly set the rod length from the outside door handle down to your new latch. THIS ADJUSTMENT IS VERY IMPORTANT and DOES make a BIG difference.
Have you manually tried to latch the latch mechanism with like a screwdriver as if the door was closed???? and then tried to use the inside or outside handles to unlatch it????
ALSO...you can be in a 'lock-down' mode as I call it. This occurs when you have adjusted the end of the rod from the outside door handle too long at the latch...and it is actually actuating the latch and PREVENTING you from UNLOCKING the latch ONCE you LOCKED IT.
I can do these in my sleep....please respond with all requested information to aid you.
DUB
IF you have power door locks??? If so....disconnect the rod that goes to the LATCH from the door lock actuator. Then check and see if it is easy to 'lock and unlock' manually.
Actually...what do you mean the door won't shut???? Do you mean that when you shut the door...it just bounces back at you???? AND does not latch and hold????
HOPEFULLY...you properly set the rod length from the outside door handle down to your new latch. THIS ADJUSTMENT IS VERY IMPORTANT and DOES make a BIG difference.
Have you manually tried to latch the latch mechanism with like a screwdriver as if the door was closed???? and then tried to use the inside or outside handles to unlatch it????
ALSO...you can be in a 'lock-down' mode as I call it. This occurs when you have adjusted the end of the rod from the outside door handle too long at the latch...and it is actually actuating the latch and PREVENTING you from UNLOCKING the latch ONCE you LOCKED IT.
I can do these in my sleep....please respond with all requested information to aid you.
DUB
Thread Starter
Navigator
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
Thank you!!!!
*** BOLD PRINT is me NOT yelling....just trying to show IMPORTANCE*****
IF you have power door locks??? If so....disconnect the rod that goes to the LATCH from the door lock actuator. Then check and see if it is easy to 'lock and unlock' manually.
Actually...what do you mean the door won't shut???? Do you mean that when you shut the door...it just bounces back at you???? AND does not latch and hold????
HOPEFULLY...you properly set the rod length from the outside door handle down to your new latch. THIS ADJUSTMENT IS VERY IMPORTANT and DOES make a BIG difference.
Have you manually tried to latch the latch mechanism with like a screwdriver as if the door was closed???? and then tried to use the inside or outside handles to unlatch it????
ALSO...you can be in a 'lock-down' mode as I call it. This occurs when you have adjusted the end of the rod from the outside door handle too long at the latch...and it is actually actuating the latch and PREVENTING you from UNLOCKING the latch ONCE you LOCKED IT.
I can do these in my sleep....please respond with all requested information to aid you.
DUB
IF you have power door locks??? If so....disconnect the rod that goes to the LATCH from the door lock actuator. Then check and see if it is easy to 'lock and unlock' manually.
Actually...what do you mean the door won't shut???? Do you mean that when you shut the door...it just bounces back at you???? AND does not latch and hold????
HOPEFULLY...you properly set the rod length from the outside door handle down to your new latch. THIS ADJUSTMENT IS VERY IMPORTANT and DOES make a BIG difference.
Have you manually tried to latch the latch mechanism with like a screwdriver as if the door was closed???? and then tried to use the inside or outside handles to unlatch it????
ALSO...you can be in a 'lock-down' mode as I call it. This occurs when you have adjusted the end of the rod from the outside door handle too long at the latch...and it is actually actuating the latch and PREVENTING you from UNLOCKING the latch ONCE you LOCKED IT.
I can do these in my sleep....please respond with all requested information to aid you.
DUB
Yes it does have power door locks that I have disconnected because of an electrical problem.
The door bounces back at me and I can open the latch with a screwdriver and then shut the door.
I will check the adjustment and the actuator. I appreciate your help.
Former Vendor
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 76,656
Likes: 1,850
From: Jeffersonville Indiana 812-288-7103
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
Have you adjusted the striker bolt? Has it moved on you?
Former Vendor
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 76,656
Likes: 1,850
From: Jeffersonville Indiana 812-288-7103
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
