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Inside Door Latch Handle Repair
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After removing the door panel, inspect the skin where the mechanism attaches. If the hinges or latch have been neglected, or if the cable has been greased, excess force needed to open the door will rip the sheet metal where the single bolt attaches the mechanism to the skin. A simple washer under the skin is usually enough to reinforce it, even with severe damage. The U-nut can be used to hold it in-place. The gap at the rear of the mechanism may also be closed, which is frequently mistaken for a stretched cable (which doesn't happen). If the cable is gummy, the latch must be removed from the door to remove & wash the cable in solvent. Bend the tab back so that the handle does not need to be lifted far to release the latch. This also puts the cable down against the door so that the panel's rear pocket lies flat instead of breaking at its front outer corner.

See also:

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TSB 91-08-04 LATCHES - DOOR - REPLACEMENT REQUIRED
Published 04/17/91

FORD:1985-88 EXP
1985-91 CROWN VICTORIA, ESCORT, MUSTANG, TEMPO, THUNDERBIRD
1986 LTD
1986-91 TAURUS
1988-91 FESTIVA
1989-91 PROBE
LINCOLN-MERCURY: 1985-87 LYNX
1985-91 CAPRI, CONTINENTAL, COUGAR, GRAND MARQUIS, MARK VII, TOPAZ, TOWN CAR
1986-91 SABLE
1987-91 TRACER
MERKUR: 1985-89 XR4TI 1988-89 SCORPIO
LIGHT TRUCK: 1985-90 BRONCO II
1985-91 AEROSTAR, BRONCO, ECONOLINE, F-150-350 SERIES, RANGER
1989-91 F SUPER DUTY
1991 EXPLORER
MEDIUM/HEAVY TRUCK: 1985-90 C SERIES
1985-91 CL-9000, F & B SERIES, L SERIES
1986-91 CARGO SERIES

ISSUE: Rework of door latches has been reported from Service Investigation Reports. This is unacceptable as it may affect proper latch function.

ACTION: Replace latches which function improperly and can not be adjusted.
WARNING: NEVER REWORK OR MODIFY A LATCH ASSEMBLY, ALWAYS REPLACE THE LATCH ASSEMBLY.

OTHER APPLICABLE ARTICLES: NONE
WARRANTY STATUS: INFORMATION ONLY

Owner caption April 2024 · Photo 0 of 5000