Front Door Latch: Service and Repair

Front Door Latch Replacement

NOTE: Put on gloves to protect your hands.

1. Remove the door panel and the inner handle Front Door Panel Removal / Installation.

2. Remove the plastic cover as needed.

3. Remove the hole seal.

4. Release the rod fastener, and disconnect the outer handle rod from the outer handle.

5. Driver's door: Disconnect the lock cylinder cable from the latch.

6. Pull away the glass run channel (A) as needed, and remove the bolt, then remove the center lower channel (B) by pulling it downward.






7. Detach the cable clips (A) and remove the screws (B, C) securing the latch (D), then remove the latch through the hole in the door.

NOTE: Take care not to bend the outer handle rod (E), the latch cable (F), or the inner handle cable (G).






8. Remove the foam seals (A, B, C), and remove the screw, then remove the latch protector (D) by releasing the hook (E).






9. Disconnect the latch cable (A) and the inner handle cable (B) from the latch (C).






10. Install the latch in the reverse order of removal, and note these items:

- Before reinstalling the latch protector (A), clean the latch (B) and the latch protector surface with isopropyl alcohol where the new foam seals (C, D, E) will be attached.
- After reinstalling the latch protector to the latch, attach the new foam seals to the protector and the latch.
- If the clip is damaged or stress-whitened, replace it with a new one.
- If the inner handle cable is damaged or stress-whitened, replace it with a new one.
- Make sure the connector is plugged in properly.
- Make sure the power door lock operates properly.
- Make sure the plastic cover on the door is installed properly and sealed around its outside perimeter to seal out water.
- The cylinder cable and the outer handle rod are connected securely.
- Push the clips and the hook into place securely.