1991 Ford Tempo Driver's Side Door Latch

SHADOWKNIGHT89

MEMBER
1991 FORD TEMPO
4 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
93,000 MILES

On my Tempo the Driver's side door does not like to open, I have to open the door behind it and tug hard to get it to open, and when I try to open from inside it will not open at all, have to get out through the passenger's side. The handle's on both inside and outside move but dont catch anything for the door latch. How can I fix it? Or replace it?

5 Replies

MMPRINCE4000

MECHANIC
8,549 POSTS

It could be the lock is engaged and won't release. More than likely you will have to remove the interior door panel to gain access to the mechanisim.
One of the control rods could have worked loose.

If it has power locks, it may be the switch needs to be replaced.

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Thursday, May 22nd, 2008 AT 5:14 AM

MERLIN2021

MECHANIC
17,250 POSTS

If it has power locks does the button go up and down? If not, the actuator could be frozen, also try some white lube on the latch.I do agree one of the rods may have a busted clip, and needs to be repositioned.

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Thursday, May 22nd, 2008 AT 1:09 PM

SHADOWKNIGHT89

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Well it does have power locks, and when I try em they dont do anything, I even changed the fuses, might be some missing, gotta check sometime

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Friday, May 23rd, 2008 AT 2:14 AM

MMPRINCE4000

MECHANIC
8,549 POSTS

Check for power at the switch, if none, then fuse. If power, the lock solenoid needs to be replaced, and check the control rods, because it should open with a key.

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Friday, May 23rd, 2008 AT 7:23 AM

MERLIN2021

MECHANIC
17,250 POSTS

If you are having problems withh all the locks, check the wires in the door wgere they pass thru into the car. I have seen a lot of broken wires at that location due to the flexing when the door opens and closes.