1993 Ford Explorer Frozen Door Lock

FORD EXPLORER
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GAIL GLANDON
  • MEMBER
  • 8 POSTS
what would the steps be for me to remove the passenger side door panel on my 1993 ford explorer 4 wheel drive this is so it will cost me less when i take it to a repair shop because the lock keeps freezing no matter what i do,i think somehow moisture got into the lock mechanism and remains there so when it is warm/hot it is ok but as soon as it gets cool it is either stuck unlocked or locked until i can find a way to get it warmed up again
Jan 17, 2006 at 3:39 AM
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JTGT350
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  • 9 POSTS
Let me start off by saying any reputable repair shop should not charge you any more or less for taking a door panel off to repair/inspect a lock mechanism, that is part of the entire job. if they are charging you more to remove the door panel, I'd go elsewhere.

The door handle, power window/lock switch assembly needs to be removed first (held on by a few screws), then the door panel needs to be "popped off" the door properly (retained by special clips) which snap into holes located around the edges of the door (about a dozen per door). If you break any of these clips (which can happen easily if you've never done it before), they'll cost about .50 each which will wipe out any cost savings you tried to save by doing it yourself.
Jan 18, 2006 at 4:03 PM
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GAIL GLANDON
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  • 8 POSTS
thankyou for your help
Jan 27, 2006 at 7:12 AM
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GODBEAR839
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 77 POSTS
Explorer panels for that model year are pretty durable i had mine off numerous times over the years and never broke any of the clips. Should be one screw in the back bottom of the door, two by the door handle and one under the clip and one up over the door pillar. That should get the door panel screws off then if you snap the door panel out the latches should come right off.
Jan 27, 2006 at 7:40 AM
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Suggested Repair

Remove the door handle and power window/lock switch screws first, then the panel screws: one at the rear bottom of the door, two by the door handle, one under the clip, and one above the door pillar. Carefully snap the panel outward so the edge clips release. Broken clips are inexpensive but can erase any savings, and a reputable shop should include panel removal in the lock repair.

Conversation Summary

The owner of a 1993 Ford Explorer asked how to remove the passenger door panel before a shop visit because the lock freezes in cool weather and they suspect trapped moisture. One reply said panel removal should already be included in the repair and warned that the handle and switch assembly must come off before the clip-retained panel is popped free. An expert added typical screw locations for that model year and said the clips usually release without breaking once the screws are removed and the panel is snapped outward.

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