Door Won't Latch When Closed from Inside

[Dooodahman]

I have a strange problem that I could not find when searching.

It seems that my passenger-side door will not latch when closed from the inside, but always latches fine if pushed from the outside. I have noticed some give in the door pull, like the door panel is coming away from the door, making the door pull and the door pocket bow in towards the interior when pulled. I suspect that this is somehow activating the door latch, so that when you pull the door shut with the door pull, it is like you are trying to close the door while holding the door handle open, so the door just bounces off.

Has anyone experienced this?

[theiceman]

no but your description make sense .. take the door apart and investigate . I am sure you will find your solution. that door pull is anchored to the door with the door card in between so there should be no flex. your screws may be loose or stripped out ..

take the "topper" off the door ( the piece that runs along the top ) and you should see where the door pull fastens at the top. If you look under the inside latch release , there is a litle bar you push up to release the black plastic inside handle , when that swings away you can see the access to the lower screws for the pull. I think its a 5 or 6mm hex.

[twistoffat]

When you relaease the plastic handle for opening the door from the inside by lifteing the lever behind you should see two allen key bolts. If these are loose is can cause the card to pull away from the door and activate the latch as you describe. Heres a link to a door card removal tread where you can clearly see the two bolts I mean

Dave's Adventures in Door Panels

[Dooodahman]

Great info, guys. I'll dig in this weekend. Thanks!