Door locks mysteriously on '32

Roger/Sacramento

Senior Member
When I close the door on the driver side usually the door handle flips up and locks the door. This doesn't happen on the passenger side. Anybody know why this happens?:eek:
 
There is a "lazy S " shaped spring that holds the handle from moving and also holds it up when you lock the door from the inside. If it is broken, the handle will jump up when you close the door and lock the door. I keep a rubber band from the handle to the window riser and this keeps the handle down. You must remove the garnish molding and the door panel etc. to get to the latch to replace the spring.
 
Is this the same fix for if the latch doesn't pop on my drivers door unless I turn the latch to lock?
 
Different fix for your latch. Sounds like you have a broken spring in the latch mechanism.
 
I have everything opened up and can't get the door handle post to move beyond the panel it is mounted to. It is restricted from moving by the window mechanism. Do I have to remove the window and mechanism first to access the door handle post.
 
You mean the inside door handle post?? If it wont come out by winding the window mech all the way up, the window mech will need to be unscrewed and moved, but not removed, just slid out of the way.
 
As 32Phil said, there is a little S shaped piece that goes on top of the door latch mechanism. Assuming your passenger side latch still works, you can roll down the window all the way and look down from above to see the piece that will be broken or missing from the driver's side.

It is possible to replace it from above. Roll the window all the way down, get an assortment of long nose pliers, a flashlight, and at least two people. And a LOT of patience.

The first few dozen times you try it, the piece will not go in but will drop down to the bottom of the door. You need the bottom door panel off to have access to retrieve it and try again.

It can be done without disassembling the whole door.

Tom
 
Unless you are Houdini its easier to replace that remote spring on the bench.Yes you have to remove the lock cyl,window,window channel to get latch out.You then can go through the entire assy -check the latch spring(replace if necessary) clean and lubricate.I have done many of these.
 
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