2000 Ford Explorer door latch and lock troublshooting

2k Ford Explorer Limited. 142k miles. Video shows how the door latch mechanism attaches to the interior and exterior door handles, lock, and lock actuator.
The original problem was the door would not unlock automatically and was even hard to lock/unlock manually. The door actuator was replaced which did not fix the problem. Thus, the latch mechanism was removed to troubleshoot the entire thing. I did a few things that helped solve the problem:
New actuator
Cleaned and lubricated the latch
Lubricated all moving parts of the various pieces
Adjusted the shaft going from the latch to the exterior door so that it moves farther down when the door handle is opened.
There are four shafts (links) attaching to the latch:
1 - from door lock
2 - from door lock actuator
3 - from exterior door handle
4 - from interior door handle
Lock/unlock shafts 1 and 2 attach to a common link on the latch.
Removing the latch from the door requires that you: a) remove the 3 machine screws attaching it to the door, b) remove interior door handle from shaft 4, c) remove exterior handle shaft 3 from the handle by moving/manipulating latch inside door so that the shaft end can come out of the oval in which it is inserted, d) remove door actuator from the bracket in which it is secured, e) remove 3 electrical connectors.

[@clutch5sp989]

THANKS....Rockauto ($40) has the part I needed drivers door. The stupid window glass is also off the track. Told my wife she has slammed the door one too many times.

[@trentsimmons3654]

1999 Ford Explorer inside door assembly and how it goes together

[@vikingwind25]

GREAT VIDEO !! I have the same car with the passenger side door unable to open. I have searched for detailed lock actuator details. You provided that ]. Wish me luck...Thank You for your detailed video before I dive into this....

[@MrsLesleyE]

This is the best vid I've found on this very common problem. Thank you for taking the time.

[@fiveyorks]

I have the problem again and might have to watch my own video haha

[@MrsLesleyE]

@@fiveyorks popping that lock arm out to begin removing it is throwing me for a loop for sure. I live in a place with a marine layer so it has been rusting up my latches. I lubed the front 2 today that were beginning to stick and they seem to be moving with ease now. Hope they hang in there or I will be climbing in my window dukes of hazard style. 😂

[@JohnResciniti]

This is the way to teach some one! You should look into that, teaching I mean! I learned a ton. My main issue is the inside handle mechanism and the child safety lock-out. I never turned them off and my son broke the handle. Got new handles, but the rod from inside handle to latch isn't moving enough. I can see it move the outer door handle rod a bit, but not enough. I guess I gotta take the whole latch out and see what's up! Thanks again for a great tutorial!

[@DrummingChronicles]

Same thing happened to me. I think the spring may be broken on mine so I got a new latch coming. But I am curious what ended up being the fix on yours?

[@JohnResciniti]

@@DrummingChronicles new handle is installed but a clip got lost and the rod is bent a bit. It works tho. If you pull the new inside handle just right. Same with the outside handle too now, even tho that was just fine before!

[@DrummingChronicles]

@@JohnResciniti Interesting...so you did not actually need a new latch assembly?

[@JohnResciniti]

@@DrummingChronicles I prob'ly do. That's why the outside handle that was good, isn't as good.

[@JohnResciniti]

@@DrummingChronicles it barely works but both handles do work.

[@kathyquezadavillalobos2350]

I hope this guy has a teaching degree. Thanks so much. I have this exact problem and now I have a great start

[@MZKMAN6969]

THE VIDEO WAS VERY THOROUGH, JUST EXACTLY WHAT I WAS LOOKING FOR, IT HELPED A LOT THANK YOU FOR TAKING THE TIME TO DO THIS

[@Mdnpixie]

Bottom hook of my latch is completely loose tried figuring out if it was connected to anything but do you think I’ll have to replace the latch tried troubleshooting but as you know it’s pretty dark in their

[@4687878]

Very thorough video,..and you tried to show everything clearly,..especially for your first time doing that fix,..much better than these pros on the net !!

[@slimtimclem7622]

Great video! Saved me so much time when I realized I adjusted the yellow clip the wrong way too! Thank you so much!

[@hermanngonzalez]

Como se llama la parte de plástico amarillo? Es la que se me rompio.

[@RobinPfarrkircher]

Had the same issue with my Ford 2000. This video was great to figure things out on my own. Thank you for uploading.

[@perogsilatoreacci1485]

Robin Pfarrkircher Hey man no poppy says tasered him so gruff, I'm gruff he's gruff, what a loser and hater, cause he can. Goodie goodie gumdrops for latch lash tongue. Ever forget what won't free the mechanism that caused this most people are nice, really..

[@GRice999]

There's supposed to be an external spring (inside the door, outside the latch ) holding up that plastic clip on the rod. Simply repositioning the clip up the shaft will makes the lock work, but the door handle may stop working because that rod will not travel low enough to activate the latch. I'm not sure the size of the spring or its exact attachment points, but you can find that out by looking inside a door that is working properly. You might find the original spring hanging somewhere inside the door, or sitting on the bottom. Update: The original spring is actually inside the lock. But the quick fix is to lift the shaft with an external spring. I used a spring about four inches in length, attached to a bracket above. I also applied the fix to the other door as a preventative measure.

[@janetortiz4861]

George Rice, Thank you and that's great for you to share!!!!! I was wondering how long of a spring to try for preventive future doors.... :)

[@donoberloh]

My door locking spring rusted and broke at both ends. Could find a replacement but the whole exterior door handle new only cost $10.00

[@raymaondg5618]

Thanks for the video...Im having the same problem with the front door

[@petersonfamily8717]

Thanks, you just saved me a lot of time and grief, excellent video

[@janetortiz4861]

Oh, an added plus! You're explanation and video was awesome!!! Better than a professional video for us rookies!! :)

[@ronaldgreen5292]

My 1997 Ford Explorer rear doors won't open from the outside, but only the inside. I pulled the door panels off, and looked towards the latch assembly, and discovered that the clips from the rod connected to the outside door handle were broken. It is in a really tight area to get to.

[@KeybytheSeaOakIsland]

Awesome Video. Way too much information and that's a good thing. I understand how to whole system works so it'll be easier to troubleshoot my issue now. We have to manually pull up the door lock from the inside. It doesn't respond to the automatic buttons on the fob or the inside release switches. Watching your video has inspired me to head out with WD-40 in tow. I'm betting it's just 20 years old and needs a little lube. Thanks fiveyorks!

[@perogsilatoreacci1485]

Key by the Sea Really dude says I tasered him and sticks his tongue out I used a drone Kik and key chain taser, just watching hammering nubs and I'm depending on bralock we luv lockey, I'm going to need it more than you ever did, read more and watch (1212120 more lines)

[@ultranitro437]

I have a 2000 xlt explorer with the same issue on the drivers door. I removed the door panel and you can barely see the latch or the actuator through the little holes in the door. What a nightmare.

[@blakemorgan8734]

So what was the problem? If it wasn’t the lock actuator

[@angelsweetpal]

Wow, tat was a hell of a good job. Would you know where the lock relay box for the same year explorer xlt would be located. I just can't figure it out.

[@fiveyorks]

Sorry, do not know :(

[@Mipincheacordeon]

Is it good to put some grease or lubricant on it?

[@Mipincheacordeon]

Where can I get those yellow holder?

[@ronaldgreen5292]

Great informational video, thank you.

[@lyza8006]

Is this the same as a 2006 Ford Expedition? Both my front doors freeze open in the winter, the latches are in the open position but won't engage by clicking around the little bar on car body when closed. I don't want to use deicer anymore as its not always quick and I'm late places or stuck somewhere in minus temperatures. I want to repair them so they work right again😣

[@fiveyorks]

Sorry, I am not sure. This is the only Ford I have owned. Since the Explorer is a 2000 and your's a 2006, there are bound to be some differences. Maybe Ford figured out this design was not that great and changed it! Although freezing open or closed sounds terrible. If they freeze open, at least you can get into the car! If the heat works (which it does not in my Explorer) you could connect a bungee cord from the driver's door to the passenger door to keep it closed until the latch/lock warms up enough to move! :)

[@fiveyorks]

Probably not exactly the same, but the only way to tell is find someone who works on Fords all day or pull off your interior door panel and look around a bit. Don't be afraid to try it - you just have to pull pretty hard on the first one or two to get it started. Use some plastic "pry tools" to get it started to avoid scratching things. Make sure, however, the panel doesn't need to be lifted up or in any particular direction to get it totally removed. If the panel just seems stuck, chances are it needs to go a certain direction and if you keep pulling really hard, you may break some plastic connectors. this is probably not a disaster, but you would rather have all the connectors working to keep it snug.

[@janetortiz4861]

Thank you so much for this!! Yes there is a little spring inside the latch (that Ford didn't correct) that keeps breaking on us... It's a fairly tiny in size and very thin, but I've seen lots of videos on those causing open and unlocking issues. Anyway, thanks again! Very informative, and I keep reviewing because I'm about to do this myself and was eying which part of the latch the inside door handle hook onto, and the door knob...I know where the actuator and the outside handle goes on the latch. LOL! I can't even open my door from inside OR out.... It was tough, but I removed the panel inside. Trying to push and pull on handle or knob just to be able to get the damn door open so I can change the latch assembly! Geez, will take me more than 6 hours I'm sure!! LOL!

[@fiveyorks]

Impressive determination!!

[@janetortiz4861]

@@fiveyorks Thank you! Since then, I have added a spring on the drivers door due to knob not unlocking far enough. Works like a champ now... Then, low and behold, my front passenger actuator went out! Ugh! Changed that out in under an hour! Now I understand the mechanics of these! Thanks for posted videos of course, but they saved me lots of $$ :)

[@fiveyorks]

@@janetortiz4861 My explorer is slowly expiring. At least one of the doors I fixed broke again. A couple windows only work intermittently. The rear latch must have totally fallen off because when you pull it, it is obvious there is nothing attached, but I think the window still opens. No AC. No Heat, except seat heater which seems to be focused in an area about the size of a quarter. :)

[@tucanman9775]

i dont need the back door the most important door with the lock in it dude i dont care if the others dont work i just want to get in and drive

[@luckylyftd225]

Was that a mazda starting in the background?

[@fiveyorks]

khalil jones it must’ve been a Fiat Abarth or a mini :)

[@mikedavis9554]

Nice video..just might help me fix my latch issue..how exactly did you adust the rod for the exterior door handle ?? Thanks in advance

[@janetortiz4861]

As I fixed my rear door, I used your video as a guide for me as I didn't know a thing about it until this video, and was doing it by myself..... Refer to my comments of 6 days ago) I learned from your video just how to trouble shoot it, and how it truly works!! Thank you so much! My hat is off to you!! Helped me get through this!!!!

[@mnicol007]

Thanks for the video. I learned an awful lot about tearing it all down. Having the same problem on wife's 99 explorer and you have to hit the unlock button a bunch of times while jiggling the outer door handle. Looks like a giant pain in the ass to tear apart.. way to go Ford.. over complicated cheap crap.

[@fiveyorks]

Indeed a large PITA!

[@joepedroza4707]

These Ford latches do have problems from time to time so have plenty of door rivets in stock. Take your time this will test your patience. Not much room to work in so if you have big fat hands forget it. But once you figure out whats going on with your latches you will feel victorious and will want to fix the rest when they go out, and they will trust me.

[@fiveyorks]

For sure! I'm losing another one now...

[@aldolizalde481]

where can I get a replacement latch?

[@fiveyorks]

eBay or a very easy place to order from is RockAuto.com. They have a "drill down" interface that makes it easy to find the part you need.

[@ronaldjackson7641]

All I can hear is just got talking and yanking and yelling and talking I haven't seen him actually install anything