Your vehicle’s door latches are responsible for keeping the doors closed during travel. Door latches have several components that allow them to open, close, lock and unlock your car’s doors.
Door latches are claw-like metal assemblies located inside the rear of each vehicle’s door. A door latch works a lot like a hood latch in that it has a fully latched position and a secondary safety latch.
The door latch has moving parts, usually a single fork or a pair of opposing forks that are positioned to grip the door striker on the pillar for that door. The striker may be shaped like a large nail or it may be a metal rod in the shape of a square so that the latch can grab the outer edge of the square. While the striker is adjustable, the latch typically isn’t.
When the door is closed, the recessed part containing the latch connects to a striker, which is located on the side of the door frame. The latch assembly mechanism works in such a way that when the door’s latch is hooked to the door striker, the door can’t be opened without releasing the door latch, either from the outside or inside door handles.
The door latch typically includes the “door ajar” switch that will illuminate a light on the dash if the door isn’t totally closed.
Car doors automatically latch on when they’re closed regardless of whether the doors are locked or unlocked. Tailgate latches are similar except that there is a latch on both the left and right sides, each with its own striker.
Manufacturers have different mechanisms for how the door latch is opened and closed. The door latches on some vehicles are connected to the door lock actuator and the door handle via metal rods or cables. When the driver or passenger opens the door, it pulls either a metal rod or wire connected to the latch, which disengages the latch’s hook and opens the door.
A faulty door latch might show the following symptoms:
The door latch is a mechanical assembly composed of thick steel hooks that rely on torsion springs, pivots, and precisely milled steel notches to function. Since these components are made from steel, they’re susceptible to rust and corrosion. Exposure to water, salt, or moisture can corrode the door latch over time and eventually cause problems with its functionality.
Problems with the door’s functionality can also be caused by bad steel rods, wires, or door lock actuators. If your doors have exhibited these symptoms, go to a mechanic to have them fixed.
Getting a brand-new door latch will cost around $30 to $200. The price will vary depending on the brand, set inclusions, design, and the intended make model.
A simple problem like having a defective door latch could be enough to bleed your wallet dry because of repairs that will only get more expensive over time.
So always make sure to stay on top of maintenance tasks and address issues as soon as possible to prevent them from getting worse. Lucky for you, CarParts.com is all about long-term fixes with our wide selection of aftermarket products.
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