2003 Chevy S-10 Door will Not Close

BOB HILL

MEMBER
2003 CHEVROLET S-10
6 CYL
4WD
AUTOMATIC
114,000 MILES

Opened drivers door as usual with keyless entry and when I tried to shut the door it would not close. The part where the latch is supposed to slide into is blocked and preventing the closing of the door. Had to drive about five miles holding the door closed. Thanks for any assistance.

Sunday, December 6th, 2009 AT 7:53 AM

1 Reply

SWILLIAMS

MECHANIC
597 POSTS

OK the first step is to grab a screwdriver or even a pen. What you need to do is insert the tool into the open hole where the door striker normally sits. That will be the hole you see behind the part that is in the way. Now operate the door handle and while holding it move the tool toward the vehicle. You should see the latch roll up and open. Release the door handle.

This will allow you to close the door at least.

The usual cause for this problem is dirt/stiff grease that gets into the latch area and causes the return spring to bind. What you can do to try to free it is get a can of WD-40. Spray it into the latch mechanism and work the latch a bunch. It may free up.
The other option is to pull the inner door panel and replace the latch.

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Sunday, December 6th, 2009 AT 11:52 AM