Removal and Installation

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2006 Mercury Mariner and 2006 Ford Escape. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Remove the exterior front door handle. For additional information, refer to EXTERIOR FRONT DOOR HANDLE in this article.
Loosen the exterior door handle reinforcement screw until the exterior door handle reinforcement slides free.

Fig 1: Locating Exterior Door Handle Reinforcement Screw
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Release the interior door handle clip.

Fig 2: Locating Interior Door Handle Clip
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the interior door handle.
1. Disconnect the cable conduit.
2. Disconnect the door latch cable.
  
  Fig 3: Identifying Interior Door Handle Cable
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove and discard the 3 front door latch bolts.
- To install, tighten to 8 Nm (71 lb-in).
  
  Fig 4: Identifying Front Door Latch Bolts
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Disconnect the door latch electrical connector.
Remove the door latch assembly.
- Slide the door latch towards the front of the vehicle.
To install, reverse the removal procedure.
- Lubricate the door latch to striker surfaces after installation.