1969 Dart Swinger 340 Drivers door latch question

[Cubzy]

Hi All,

Trying to figure out the problem/problem part to repair on drivers door latch mechanism. When using the outside thumb handle release it doesn't cause latch to snap open like the passenger door. It does disengage the latch but you have to pull door and latch open. The spring isn't snapping the latch like it should. I tied lubricate well with WD40 and clean all the exposed componets with a toothbrush. When you double latch the door and use the inside door handle to open it quickly snaps the latch open properly. Problem is only when its single latched. Key locking mechanism is fine also.

Please let me know what I need to do to get more spring pressure to cause latch to snap open so door doesn't have to drag the latch open when pulling.

Thank You.

 

[RedFish]

Wouldn't there be more spring tension when the latch is fully closed? I don't know why you would single click the latch anyway.
In my experience, The door hinges are worn. The door dropped a bit, the latch drags on the post. The spring tension of a fully closed latch could overcome that drag and fully open for a while.

 

[dano]

Mine does the same. It sticks. Doors are not saggy either.

 

[6pk2goDemon]

There's an access hole in the door to adjust the button. Pics to follow...

 

[6pk2goDemon]

Use a 5/32" allen wrench to adjust it. Worked for me....

 

[Cubzy]

Wouldn't there be more spring tension when the latch is fully closed? I don't know why you would single click the latch anyway.
In my experience, The door hinges are worn. The door dropped a bit, the latch drags on the post. The spring tension of a fully closed latch could overcome that drag and fully open for a while.

Thanks for reply.

Use a 5/32" allen wrench to adjust it. Worked for me....

View attachment 1715136382

Thank you. I will look through access hole and give it a try.

 

[RedFish]

That adjusts how far you'll push the button to activate the latch. If the button gets pushed deep and sticks, you need to bump straight down on the top of the handle to get the button return, that adjustment is the cure.
Every old Chrysler product has worn driver door hinges.