ranger cab door stuck

[indy mike]

I have a 2001 ranger xlt.back passenger door. bottom latch will not open.this makes getting panel off very hard to do. has anyone dealt with this? and can give a clue how to get to it to release? or get to it to manually release it?

[Davescort97]

There isn't an easy way since the panel was put on at the factory with the door open. You might be able to get the panel off if you take out the seats. You could take the panel off the other side to figure out what you are going to have to move to open the latch. Once that is done you can measure precisely where it's at and drill a small hole in the other side to pop the latch with a coat hanger or very thin screwdriver.

Might be able to get it to open by inserting a slim jim down into the door. This is done to pop locks but could also be done to pop a latch.

If you have to trash the panel you can always get another at the boneyard along with the latch that you'll need.