Drivers side door latch

1997 CHEVROLET TRUCK
200,000 MILES • AUTOMATIC
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ANDREW YOUNG
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
The lock latch on my drivers side door will not hold onto the striker. When closed, it will appear shut, but will open if you grab any part of the door. How do I fix this issue?
Mar 23, 2017 at 1:49 AM
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HMAC300
  • ✓ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 48,601 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
if it is broken not much you can do about it but try lubing it first a lot of times that is all that is wrong use penetrating oil and just open door and lube like that and try opening and closing a few time to work it's way in. WD-40 is okay too if you have that lying around. spray all around it.
Mar 23, 2017 at 5:46 AM
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ANDREW YOUNG
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
When I went back to look at it, it latch itself seems to be rotating Garth down than it should to properly grasp the striker. Do you think it is best just to take the door of or what?
Mar 23, 2017 at 8:43 AM
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HMAC300
  • ✓ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 48,601 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
no need to take a door off try using the shaft of a screwdriver to replace the striker and see if it locks that way make sure it isn't locked when you try this see if it frees up if that doesn't work then it's probably a broken latch and will need replacing. you dn't need to take the door off to replace a latch. make sure the screws holding it on door are tight as well see pics these are from a 2012 because we have none of earlier models like yours but are similar.
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Mar 23, 2017 at 9:35 AM
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