Door latch adjustment

[Front Range 4x4]

No real high tech but I need to know what to look for. The driver door has occasionally unlatched, but not completely opened, on rocky trails. On yesterdays trail it did it again but now won't latch closed. What do I need to do to fix this?

TIA!

 

[2mbb]

Here's the procedure for adjusting the door and striker alignment. But I'm not sure that is your problem. If the door is/was hard to close/latch, then maybe the door or striker needs adjustment. If it seems to fit OK, but the latch is letting loose, then something might be wrong with your latch (weak spring, dirty, etc.). There isn't a procedure for repairing the latch, but a good cleaning and/or lubrication might help

 

[Front Range 4x4]

Thank you!

 

[Tinker]

Chris -
The latch may be closed: pull the handle & see if it opens. If so, that's the start of your problem. Then try to latch the door. If it won't latch closed completely you may have to adjust the strike as MBB suggests.

If the latch is open with the door open, make sure it's closing completely by pushing in on the "trigger" with the door open. If it doesn't snap shut you probably have a worn or defective latch. Could even be gummed up.

In any case, if the strike isn't aligned correctly it won't work right. Check your door gaps 1st, though.

Prolly tweaked the body by dropping a wheel in a hole & jacked the door alignment.

 

[Front Range 4x4]

Chris -
If the latch is open with the door open, make sure it's closing completely by pushing in on the "trigger" with the door open. If it doesn't snap shut you probably have a worn or defective latch. Could even be gummed up.

Thanks Steve, I suspect the quoted part above is it. One of my projects is to pull all the doors apart to clean, lube, repair both the door and window mechanisms.

Yesterday's (cold rain, snow, sleet) run wasn't the best weather to have this finally act-up. Also discovered my heat/defrost switch is mucked up and my sunroof leaked. Pretty chilly running with the door ajar and windows cracked to keep the windshield clear.

 

[Tinker]

Can you tell where the sunroof leaked? Thought I had that sumbich tighter than a submarine hatch.

 

[Front Range 4x4]

I haven't looked to see where it leaked other than the DS front, right it my face. I'll be looking at it soon but suspect it's an easy fix.

 

[Tinker]

Chris -
Right. In your face. Figures.

Call me - I'll be on a job all tomorrow & in a meeting until about 1:30 Wednesday.
Steve

 

[Front Range 4x4]

Hey Steve,

I'll be looking at it when I get a chance but I'm not stressing about it. My life of leisure is past, I'm taking care of my grand daughter these days.

 

[Tinker]

Well at least you get a nap every day!

 

[Front Range 4x4]

Now that I'm taking care of a kid with far more energy than I ever had I need one!