Hey everyone, I just picked up a '96 F-150 v8 5.0 L for dirt cheap a few weeks ago. It definitely needs some TLC and I've done some work to it already. One issue I'm dealing with is automatic door locks. They somehow cause both doors to unlatch when pressing the unlock button. This is kinda dangerous while driving especially if I've got a kid with me.
Does this mean the door locking mechanism and rust-connected to the latch? I took the door panel off to look around. Seems like the lock actuator pulls down on the latch assembly when pressing unlock as it should but that also causes the latch to open. It was only happening on the passenger door until about a week ago, now the driver door does it as well.

 

Hard to figure out exactly what you're saying the problem is. The lock/unlock buttons on the doors lock or unlock both doors.
The remote unlocks the driver's door if you press it once and both doors if you press it twice.
If the button unlatches the door, there's something seriously wrong with the latch and you should think about a replacement.
The lock mechanism should in no circumstance operate the latch - the 2 are not supposed to be connected.

 

Yep that's exactly the problem. The latch opens on both doors, causing them to swing open, when you hit the unlock button on either door. There is no keyless entry remote.


I haven't simply found where I could get a latch assembly from any auto parts store. Seems like I'd have to get the OEM part for both sides and would come close to totaling the truck. So I'm wondering if the latch could be removed and fiddled with.


Or is the lock actuator doing something funky? I noticed when pressing the lock button it makes a sound but doesn't actually lock the doors. Whereas the unlock function works and opens the latch.

 

It could be that rust or just gunk is causing the lock lever to pull the latch lever with it ?
There are 3 large phillips screws holding the latch to the door. You could take them off and try to clean them up and soak them in penetrating oil.
Or hit a wreckers and get another set (10-20.00 ?)
For now you might want to disable power to the locks because yes, that's dangerous as hell.
If you pull the panels you'll see the wire going back to the power lock mechanism right across the bottom of the big opening behind the door handle. There's enough slack in that wire to just cut and tape them off and you'll still be able to join them back up later.
Getting the plug off the lock mechanism is ridiculously hard, but of course unplugging them is better.

 

Thanks for the suggestions. I'll see what I can do.

 

just a little follow up - new latch from the junk yard ($50 each) fixed it.