I have my panel off but Im not seeing what will not engage. When I pull the handle (inside)or push the button(outside), the drivers door doesn't "pop" open like my passenger door does. I have to lift the handle on the inside and shoulder check the door to get it to open. That I can deal with, but a crack has developed in my paint from pulling on the door handle so hard from the outside...that I can't deal with. If someone can help off the top of their head I would appreciate it.
Open the door and cycle the latch manually. It should click twice to shut, then open by spring pressure when the release is activated. If it does not, try clean/lube, and also verify the return springs are intact.
You'll need to remove the door panel, PITA area to work in. Sounds like you may have done that. Removing the latch is not fun, but will let you look it over for wear and do a clean and test easier then installed...
If you mean the screws at the latch are cracking the jamb (common problem) for a short term fix to the cracking on the screw locations you can buy patch panels to go over the top, they look like crap, but will stop the breakage.... if at the door handle itself, no fix I know of other than body/paint.
The crack in the paint is on the top edge of the door just slightly forward of where the front handle mount is, which has to be from pulling hard on the handle from the outside I think. Ill have to check on the return spring tomorrow. To be honest I don't remember a spring but I installed the latches a long time ago. My door is aligned, the body panels line up and probably more importantly, the nader bolt strikes the center of the latch on the door.
I will check the alignment of the door tomorrow when Im at home and see what that turns up. Im not sure if the spring is shot or not, it is a relatively new latch mechanism but I will tear into it tomorrow and get more info
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