Removal And Installation

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2008 Mercury Mariner and 2008 Ford Escape. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE: The door glass must be completely raised.

Remove the front door trim panel. For additional information, refer to INTERIOR TRIM AND ORNAMENTATION article.
Position the water shield aside.
Remove the exterior front door handle reinforcement. For additional information, refer to Door Handle Reinforcement - Exterior, Front .
Remove and discard the 3 front door latch bolts.
- To install, tighten to 12 Nm (106 lb-in).

Fig 1: Identifying Bolts

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Disconnect the front door latch electrical connector.
Remove the front door latch.
- Slide the front door latch towards the front of the vehicle.
- Remove the front door latch with the door lock actuating rod and the interior door handle actuating cable.

Fig 2: Identifying Front Door Latch

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

If necessary, remove the door lock actuating rod and the interior door handle actuating cable.
To install, reverse the removal procedure.
- Lubricate the front door latch to striker surfaces after installation.