On any car there are many compartments that open and close at will of the user. These compartments can vary from the car hood, doors, trunk, glove box and center-upper consoles. The one thing all of these compartments have in common is a latch mechanism that holds the lid, door or hood closed and then open when needed. Most latches contain a locking device that allows the user to lock the operation of the latch. On the opposite side of all latches is the "striker" which is the part where the latch holds onto when closed. This latch mechanism is designed to hold the striker within the latch clasp.

When the clasp is released in the latch the striker is free to move allowing the lid, hood or door to open. For the latch to work properly the alignment of the striker is crucial. If the latch is not aligned properly the latch will stick or not open/close. The hinge is on the opposite side of the latch which is equally important. If these hinges are allowed to move excessively the striker will be out of place causing the striker to be in the wrong location and this can impair the latch operation. All hinges should be free from lateral movement and maintained by applying lubricate at regular intervals. To ensure proper latch operation all moving parts must be free from dirt and grime. To clean a door or compartment latch use a mild solvent or soap. Once clean, dry thoroughly and apply lubricate as needed.

Door Latch Reset Procedure

Depending on application some latches are equipped with an electric solenoid that can automatically open or close the lock with a simple key fob or electronic switch command. A switch command can be activated manually or by the BCM (body control module) computer. These automatic controlled latched also possess the ability to detect the use of force is used to overpower the latch as in a criminal act. When the latch is overpowered the car alarm will sound to alert the car owner.

Occasionally the alarm system will be accidently activated. If this occurs simply close all doors, hood and trunk, then lock and unlock the driver's door. This action will disarm the alarm and resume normal status. Sometimes when a latch is opened it can have a "rebound" effect that can sometimes close the latch the second it opens. When a "rebound" occurs the door, hood or truck opens but the latch is now closed and will not except the striker and will not allow the door, hood or lid to close. This mean the latch will have to be opened before it will reconnect to the striker.

How to Open a Latch

• Locate the latch in question
• Using a small metal device, a medium size screw driver works well for this, insert the screw driver into the clasp and pull outward while lifting the release handle or button
• The latch will now open allowing the striker to re-enter the clasp enabling the latch to again hold the striker in place resuming normal latch operation.

Preferred Procedure: Always unlock the door or lid before you begin.

Common Problems

• When a door latch fails it will not allow you to open or close the latch
• An activation rod will become dislodged not actuating the door latch release. If this occurs the inner door panel must be removed to activate the latch release manually.
• The inner or outer door handle will fail not moving the activation rod that connect to the latch release. This will result in latch operation failure. In both cases the inner door panel, must be removed to activate the control rod manually. Occasionally the outer door handle can be removed with out removing the inner door handle.

If further assistance is needed, our certified car repair technicians are ready to answer your car questions.

Related Car Repair Information

• Questions About A Door
• How to Open a Car Hood
• Find a Car Repair Manual
• How a Car Alarm Works
• How to Reprogram a Key Fob