Driver side door handle loose

TALEXANDER17

MEMBER
1997 FORD RANGER
3.0L
6 CYL
2WD
MANUAL
153,000 MILES

My driver's side door handle is a little loose. While the door is locked, I am able to slightly pop the door. Not enough to get into the vehicle, but enough for the cab lights to come on. I am curious if this might be the lock cylinder, or possibly the latch system? Mostly worried since it doesn’t have PATS and the truck can be turned on without a key. Any information would be great. Thanks

7 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,885 POSTS

Hi,

Chances are either the latch assembly is loose or the striker on the door frame is loose or in need of adjustment.

I attached two pics below. Start by making sure they are tight. If they are, loosen the striker (pic 2) inward a little at a time until the door can't be moved.

Let me know if this helps or if you have other questions. If you are unable to get it set properly, the latch itself is likely worn.

Let me know.

Joe

See pics below.

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Friday, February 25th, 2022 AT 8:41 PM

TALEXANDER17

MEMBER
4 POSTS

I will take a look into it as soon as I can. It does look like the striker might be a little high. It has some indication that it’s rubbing. I’ll try and get some pictures later and see if it helps at all. Thank you for the fast response!

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Saturday, February 26th, 2022 AT 8:52 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,885 POSTS

Hi,

You are very welcome. I will watch for your reply. Hopefully, it is a simple adjustment issue and nothing more. Make sure everything is tight when you first inspect it. I can't be certain, but I feel something moves when you pull on the door allowing it to move enough to turn on the light.

Take care,

Joe

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Saturday, February 26th, 2022 AT 7:02 PM

TALEXANDER17

MEMBER
4 POSTS

So, I noticed the retaining clip for the lock cylinder was pushed out a little bit. Not sure if it was replaced at some point, but I pushed it the rest of the way in, and it stopped the door from slightly opening. However, the door handle is still pretty loose. Not too big of an issue, but if you have a fix for that as well, I’d appreciate it greatly.

I added a few pictures I had taken earlier. Along with a few videos. (One if driver side: sloppy, and one of passenger side: not sloppy) Not entirely certain if that retaining clip is truly what caused it. However, I tried multiple times to re-create the issue and could not get it to happen again.

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Saturday, February 26th, 2022 AT 10:11 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,885 POSTS

Hi,

Is it loose as in excessive play or does it seem more like an extended travel issue? There were issues with the original handle latch rod being too long from the factory.

I attached a technical service bulletin below for your review.

If you feel it is something other, the best thing to do would be to remove the door panel and check to see if the retainers are loose where it mounts.

Let me know if this helps or if you have other questions.

Take care,

Joe

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