1998 Windstar- driver Door Latch won't close in heat

Flyingjackal456 · 07-26-2006, 01:56 PM

I have a 1998 windstar and the driver door won't close in the hot weather. If i pour cold water on the latch assembly in the door, It'll lock and close.

but i want to fix the problem for good...i believe the door latch assembly needs replacement, but i don't know how to remove the old one and put in another one.

Flyingjackal456 · 07-27-2006, 05:20 AM

...Or does anyone know any online repair manual databases...I lost my Haynes book for the WS

psychpike · 07-28-2006, 01:25 PM

Replacing the latch is straightforward, but requires a bit of patience and a basic set of tools.

1. Before you do anything, have you thoroughly lubricated the latch with WD-40 or equivalent? That may completely solve your problem. Otherwise I'm going to assume that you've got an electrical problem that manifests itself when it gets really hot.

2. Remove the inside door panel thus: The triangular black plastic cover where the front of the door meets the window post just pops off. The switch panel (where all the door lock and window switches are) pops off in the same way. Remove the connectors from the back of the switches - don't worry about keeping track of them, they're all different sizes. Remove the Phillips screws around the perimeter of the door - there should also be one more right where the door switch panel was. That frees the door panel - lift straight up about two inches, because the door panel has four little L-shaped plastic hooks that sit into the metal part of the door. I didn't realize that the first time and busted one off accidentally. Anyway, once you lift the door up, pull it out toward you and then maneouver it over the door lock post. There is a plastic lining that needs to be peeled off, and that exposes the inside of the door. Once you do that you can clearly see (with a little bit of light and twisting of the head) how the door latch is mounted. Don't forget to disconnect the electrical connector to the latch assembly before you start working on removing it. Also make sure you have some band-aids handy for the scraped knuckles that are inevitable. If you need any more guidance let me know.

- Doug

Flyingjackal456 · 07-28-2006, 03:14 PM

UPDATE:i need guidance on gettting those connecting rods on and off...

I already used WD-40, and it made it worse. There is an engagement in the latch assembly that holds the latch in the closed position

Thanks for the post, but now i'm looking for a latch assembly to put in the van...anyone know where i can get one cheap? (I'm not paying $120+ for the dealer price)

I've been looking around the Junkyards and i fould some for 1995, 1996 windstars...are they the same part?

psychpike · 07-28-2006, 04:38 PM

As for buying new parts, the cheapest place I've seen online is Rock Auto.

I haven't actually taken the latch out myself, but if you're going to do the work yourself you may want to invest in a Haynes manual - I have one for my Maxima, and I also had one for my 300ZX. They were always really helpful.

Flyingjackal456 · 07-30-2006, 09:07 AM

I have a Haynes manual for the van...problem is i can't find it....thanks for the help though

UPDATE: Rock Auto doesn't carry this part, I think the only way i'm gonna be able to buy the part is through the dealer, so there goes $100+ I guess i'll have to stop buy my ford dealer and order one soon

tr918 · 07-31-2006, 05:11 AM

Flyingfackal456,

Most junkyards know whether the parts are interchangeable. You can always ask them or take the original to the junk yard and match it up. You may even be able to find a door latch from a different ford model that is the same part number.

Flyingjackal456 · 08-11-2006, 04:16 PM

UPDATE: really wierd thing happened about 6 days ago...i saw a piec of plastic insulation inside the latch kit (i never took it apart, just looked at the normally exposed parts) i cut the piece and now the door is fine, although we haven't had any intense heat yet...

but the door is opening from both the inside and outdoor handle...and closes fine, my mechanic took a look while it was in for a master cylider, he said he couldn't find anything wrong with it.