When cold door will not latch closed after opening door below 32 degrees

CARIDEAS

MEMBER
2002 LEXUS RX 300
V6
4WD
AUTOMATIC
140,000 MILES

Hello,
Numerous times either after a snow or after washing the car as soon as the temperature falls below 32-30 degrees and the car sits for several hours I unlock the door, get inside and close the door normally and it will not latch closed. Luckily this happened on my driveway at home.

I have sprayed into both the outside lock and the latch numerous times and heavily liquid wrench, spray can lithium grease, spray can dry lube and wd 40. When temperature is over 32 degrees doors latch perfectly. I took a hairdryer on high and hot for thirty seconds half an inch from the door latch and Viola. When closing the door it latches immediately and smoothly every time. I have had to do this numerous mornings below 32 degrees one Ii figured out that it worked. My fear is I will be at a store or restaurant and not be able to get the door to latch.. Again only when below 32 degrees. Must be moisture accessing from somewhere. My 1993 Camry had the exact same issue. Any ideas how to prevent this in the first place please. Thank you in advance.

7 Replies

HARRY P

MECHANIC
2,293 POSTS

Hello and welcome to 2CarPros. A little bit of moisture getting in there really shouldn't wreak that much havoc on a latch. But if you really think that's what's happening, then here's a way to find where it's coming from. You'll start by removing the interior door panel and the insulation stuff. Make sure that the window is rolled all the way up. Shut the door (and make sure it's latched lol). Get the water hose and give it a good dousing from every direction for several minutes. Then open the door and look for wetness in there. If there's a leak, it will be evident. It would be best if you could be in the car while someone else hosed it down, but either way, it's a doable test.

But personally, I think that your latch is simply worn out. When it's cold, the moving parts are sticking a little too close together and the weakened spring can't push the arm back to where the door is latched. It won't be long before it won't latch at all. AllData does not have instructions on removing the latch, but I did find instructions on removing the panel at least. They're attached in the images below.

Check it out and report your findings. We'll go from there.

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Tuesday, February 19th, 2019 AT 1:21 PM

CARIDEAS

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Thank you very much for the input. I could understand the idea and possibility of the latch getting worn out, but what about the other three? The rear doors are not opened near as often as the drivers door?

You think all four latches are all worn out at the same time? Sounds like recall to me?

Thank you

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Tuesday, February 19th, 2019 AT 6:32 PM

HARRY P

MECHANIC
2,293 POSTS

Oh, I thought we were just talking about the one door. Yeah that's just weird. I don't have access to look it up right now, but is there any adjust-ability in the latches or striker bars? If there is any room, it might be a good idea to move them 1/4 inch or less. I'll do some more digging in a bit. Maybe there's a service bulletin or something.

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Tuesday, February 19th, 2019 AT 8:24 PM

HARRY P