Drivers door won't unlock when closed

[lsld222]

Hey all,

Drivers door on 99 won't unlock when closed. Works fine when open. If I lock doors from outside, I have to climb in passenger side to enter.
Any advice is greatly appreciated.

lsld.

[shorod]

Hunh? Are you saying the power locks will unlock the door when the door is open, but if you close the door, the power locks don't unlock it with the key fob? What if you attempt to use the key to unlock it with the mechanical lock?

-Rod

[lsld222]

Exactly, when closed, the power switch, key fob, or even the key from the outside will not unlock the door. If the door is open, everything works fine. Also, when closed, all other door locks operate normally. I have to pull on the inner door handle, which does not sound or feel normal, to unlock and open the door.

Thanks.

[shorod]

A couple of areas to consider:

- You may have an issue with the latch assembly, which has the lock mechanism in it, since you mention it doesn't feel normal

- You may have a wiring issue in the junction block in the door jamb. I have had to require a few Fords at this junction block due to broken wires. The wires can break inside the insulation, so they make contact in certain positions, but as they twist or move, the wires no longer make connection.

The easiest check may be to pull the door panel off, verify the condition still exists with the door panel removed, then install a test light on the door lock motor wires and check for voltage to the motor when the door unlock request is made. I suggest using a test light since they will draw more current than a high-impedance multimeter.

If you have voltage to the lock solenoid, the wiring is probably not the issue and you may want to focus on a mechanical binding issue with the latch mechanism.

-Rod

[lsld222]

I'll give these options a try this weekend. Sounds like it's probably the latch. It tries to unlock when closed. But seems to be hanging up or binding in some way.

Thanks for the advice.
Lsld

[lsld222]

A little cleaning and lubrication on the latch solved the problem! From the inside of course.

[shorod]

Thank you for the follow-up and solution!

-Rod