A new problem has graced me with its presence today. I can no longer latch my drivers door. All the mechanisms and linkages seem to operate and move ok within the door. If I "latch" the mechanism with a screwdriver simulating the striker on the B pillar, I can pull it unlatched with the screwdriver. Basically its not staying in the latched position with much force. Has anyone seen this before?

 

There is a sliding part at the upper part of the door... it slides left to right... I would spray WD 40 or your favorite cleaner lubricant all over the door lock linkage.

You will have to take off the door card to gain access... just spray the whole thing top to bottom and work the door handle button and the inside locking handle...

To remove it, should you have to... there are three special metal clips that hold the levers in place.. do not break them! There is a screw in the bottom of the left hand window track and
taking off the three screws holding in the striker assembly are fun to get out.. then the (3) clips and the mechanism can be wiggled out for servicing..

Hopefully you will resolve the problem. There are no good pictures of the door locking/unlocking mechanism for the correct angle. I did not take any as I was so happy to find the problem and get it resolved.

My problem was not locking.. the part did not move and needed more clearance -- when the door lock was locked the door button still opened my door.

 

Thanks Roger. The door card is off and I'll WD40 the heck out of everything.

 

Well, that didnt do a darn thing.

 

As you can see, you CANNOT see the latching mechanism... take it out into your hands and you will see the fault..

 

I've gotten it to free up and work but now the door push button doesnt travel enough to open the door. How the heck did that happen?! I didnt remove a single thing!

At least the door closes now, just in time for a rain storm.

 

The ONE short vertical link has threads at the top... disconnect at the bottom push lip and turn it a little tighter.. that will take out the play to the door button.

 

Fixed!