Emergency Help! Driver door OPENS while driving

[DocuDude]

Hi,

On a road camping trip, and my door suddenly opened while i was doing 70mph on a highway. My interior door handle ripped from the door as I pulled it shut.

This has happened a few time since (slow, fast, bumpy, smooth roads) and is quite scary.

I check before every drive now to make sure my door is locked. I even push against it before we drive, to ensure it is completely shut and locked. But the problem still happens.

Extra info, the past few months, once in a while it takes a few times for my door to shut when I am entering/exiting my cruiser. I push/pull it shut, but it doesnt stay shut. As if the striker/latch isnt working properly.

What can I do to ensure my safety and keep my door shut while driving? I bungee my door shut on the outside to ensure my safety, but thats a temporary solution. Help me fellow mudders!

 

[inkpot]

Sounds like you need to adjust or replace the latch mechanism. John

 

[blkprj80]

You should be able to close your door to the first click and it will stay shut unless you use the handle. There is a second click where the door is actually all the way closed.
It sounds as if you barely have the second click and the first one isn't there at all.
Are the hinges tight enough? Can you lift up on the end of the door with it almost closed?
Make sure your seat belt is good and solid too...

 

[DocuDude]

you mean the door hinges? will check that right now.
i am on the road, internet connection very spotty. i am driving, my wife is reading/dictating this to me.

if door hinges are tight, is latch mechanism easy to repair on road. I have decent tool kit with me.

thanks

 

[Impreza]

I m amazed a door can open at 70 by itself. Shouldn't the wind keep it closed.

 

[blkprj80]

If the door hinges are so worn out it allows the door to sag, it might misalign the latch.

Take a close look at your striker. Mine looks like below. If yours shows excess wear somewhere other than the area shown on mine, you might have an alignment issue.

Then, click your latch mechanism through the stop points. I used my finger tip, but you can use a big phillips screwdriver to move it. Below are open, 1st click, and 2nd click. Anything look different on yours? Be sure to pull up on the outer door handle afterwards to reset it to the open position or it might screw up the latch. A possible cause is that someone slammed the door after messing with this mechanism.

 

[blkprj80]

The fourth pic due to limits...

 

[inkpot]

If the door hinges are so worn out it allows the door to sag, it might misalign the latch.

Take a close look at your striker. Mine looks like below. If yours shows excess wear somewhere other than the area shown on mine, you might have an alignment issue.

Then, click your latch mechanism through the stop points. I used my finger tip, but you can use a big phillips screwdriver to move it. Below are open, 1st click, and 2nd click. Anything look different on yours? Be sure to pull up on the outer door handle afterwards to reset it to the open position or it might screw up the latch. A possible cause is that someone slammed the door after messing with this mechanism.

The latch plate is adjustable. IF it has moved, there should be an obvious ghost image in the pain on the door frame where it should be. John

 

[DocuDude]

So I found a spot on the road with internet to respond back to u all.
I did the click test, just by shutting the door slowly.
There are no click noises. It just shuts....
Compared to rear driver-side door, which you distinctly hear 2 clicks.

My latch mechanism is apparently busted. How much/ how many to replace?

Thanks

 

[ironhippy]

Is the mechanism stuck open? If it is I would try moving it with a pair of pliers first and throw some lube up in there.

I had this problem on my 4runner tailgate, and some lube cleared it up so I never bothered to replace it.

 

[Crawdad]

I have this same problem. Click test works with a screwdriver, and the door stays latched most of the time. With just the right scenario, aka 40mph lightly left turn, it will pop open. But when I'm wheeling and bouncing in the rocks it stays closed. I have no adjustment room in the latch that I can tell, I've tried loosening the three screws and moving it around, no good. The catch (u shaped metal on the truck end of the door opening, is good, no heavy wear.

I believe that my latch is either worn out or faulty, but can't find a replacement through anyone but a dealer.

Anyone have suggestions?

 

[084runnerltd]

I would ask my wife to drive and I would sit in the passenger seat. Also, get her some life insurance.

Sent from DynaTAC bag phone

 

[Wheelingnoob]

How cold is it? i had the same problem when it was -35c the latch would freeze up and make it very difficult to get the door to stay closed. The PO had put come kind of grease in the latch on that door and it would freeze locking up the latch mechanism. Lock de ice seemed to work while I was on the trip then when I got home I cleaned it out well.

 

[Crawdad]

Lmfao rotfl. Tried. She has quick reactions...and a sense of humor. Thank God

 

[Crawdad]

Does not seem to be temp related. Has happened year round. Mechanic friend thinks that the latch is shot and should be replaced. 2nd click not fully engaging though completely shut.

 

[ticoman]

I think an exorcism is in order. Sounds like bad spirits,....Did you used to own land rovers?

 

[80towhere]

Happened to me, but on my wife's side a few times. The look on her face was priceless. If she saw death she projected it to me with her look!

I tried many things. Really I replaced the striker on the door and that solved the issue. Just worn down. I did replace the latch too and never a issue anymore. Had a few fails adjustment before I bit the bullet and replaced those.

 

[kerrye]

Meantime, until the life insurance policy kicks in, lower the two windows a bit on that side and run a nylon cinch strap thru the windows and around the post.

 

[Cfbrenton1]

This happened to me on another car. Some grease fixed it.