Front Door Latch: Service and Repair
Door Latch ReplacementNOTE: Put on gloves to protect your hands.
1. Raise the glass fully.
2. Remove these items:
- Door panel
- Plastic cover, as necessary
- Rear lower channel
- Lock rod protector, 02-05 models
3. Disconnect the cylinder rod from the lock cylinder, and disconnect the outer handle rod from the outer handle.
4. Release the inner handle cable (A) from the inner handle bracket (B), and using a clip remover, detach the cable clips (C) from the door.
5. Disconnect the actuator connectors (A), and remove the screws, then remove the latch (B) through the hole in the door. Take care not to bend the outer handle rod (C), cylinder rod (D), lock rod (E), and inner handle cable (F).
6. For 06 model: Remove the screws, then remove the upper cover (A). Remove the base cover (B) by release the hook (C) and pulling it from the latch (D).
Note these items during reassembly:
- Before installing the covers, apply Multitemp SA grease or equivalent to the pivot (E) on the latch lever.
- Make sure the AFT seal (F) of the inner handle cable is installed in the covers securely.
7. If necessary, disconnect the inner handle cable (A) from the latch (B) and bushing (C).
For 06 model: Replace the AFT seal (D) if necessary.
8. Install the latch in the reverse order of removal, and note these items:
- Make sure the actuator connectors are plugged in properly, and each rod and cable are connected securely.
- Make sure the door locks and opens properly.
- When reinstalling the door panel, make sure the plastic cover is installed properly and sealed around its perimeter.
- For 06 model: Peel off the old AFT seal on the covers if necessary. Clean the surface and the edges of the covers with alcohol where new adhesive is to be applied. Attach the new AFT seals (A) to the edges and surface of the covers as shown.