door lock

[Arnival]

I cannot open my front door with the outside handle. I have to open the back door and reach around to pull the door lock plunger up while I pull the handle at the same time. Or I have to put the key in and turn all the way to the right at the same time as pulling the handle. Any solutions? 1996 Disco.

 

[joey]

Sounds like you need to take the door apart and adjust the linkage.... couple of hours work... just remember to lube it up good when your done.

 

[Arnival]

where do I adjust the linkage?

 

[joey]

You should see it when you remove the inner door panel... you will see the little screw connectors..... Let me see.

http://204.157.1.3/doorhandle.htm

 

[Arnival]

I found where to adjust the door handle, but this doesn't solve the problem.

 

[Arnival]

I believe the problem is somewhere in the linkage for the door lock. I cannot find a way to make an adjustment.

 

[joey]

so this part of the above link doesn't help:

The inner door handle is adjusted with a small nyloc nut at the end of the rod. You cannot see the nut so you must feel for it. You will find the correct linkage right below the opening you have been working through. Feel down, moving towards the latch. You will feel an "S" shaped portion of the rod followed by a plate with the nut on the other side. With a 7mm wrench adjust the nut, circled in yellow, clockwise to compensate for wear. Test the door as you did before until the handle feels right to you.

 

[Arnival]

Is it possible that the lock is worn out?

 

[joey]

The lock could be worn out, but normally then it will not lock or unlock on or the other.

Will the door open without issues if you do not lock the door? If so, then the lock may be the issue, if not, then I will stand by the handle adjustement.

If the lock is the issue, try getting a used one for a replacement otherwise they are not cheap.

 

[Arnival]

My mechanic says the door lock is worn out. Has anyone else had a similar problem? Where can I find one?