The first thing we do after sitting in the car is to close the car door, but what if it gets jammed? Then, you might think of going to Google to find out how to fix a car door that won’t close. The internet has a lot of things to explain, even if they are not valid. However, you must check the issues the car door is facing instead of getting panicked. To cut it short, you can call our helpline number, and our agents will advise you if you can do it yourself or book our services.
How Can a Car Door Latch Work
If the car door is jammed and you must fix it soon, check a U-shaped bolt-like striker attached to the frame. Thus, at a location corresponding to the striker, a latch is fastened on the inside of the door, and cables and rods connect it to the interior and exterior door handles.
Moreover, the door latch has a pair of jaws that close in a scissor-like motion while you touch the striker. Otherwise, it has a single-curved metal hook that rotates and locks the striker on contact. When you pull the door handle, the jaw of the latch springs open, and the door opens.
Factors Car Door Won’t Close
SeatBelt Jammed Between the Door
Any material can prevent the door latch from closing correctly, even if a part of the seat belt gets stuck. Henceforth, when the seat belt web is over the latch plate, your car door will not close. Then, you will have to remove the interfering material, and the door can be closed.
Latch Jaw is Closed
However, the latch jaw has spring pressure to keep it open and ready to accept the striker. Yet the children love to play with these types of parts and watch to pull the door repeatedly. It can happen that the latch does not re-open, and your door will not be able to close.
Latch is Seized
Meanwhile, the manufacturer has well-released the door latches, which are not sealed against the elements. Thus, waste, dirt, or moisture can get into the latch and create corrosion. If it is left for too long without lubricating, corrosion can cause the latch to seize.
Bent Hinges
For instance, if the wind catches your car’s open door and overextends it forward, the hinges and even the door itself can bend, causing an insurance claim. Repairing the bent hinges can include welding and cutting at an auto body shop.
Frozen Latch
During the cold season, your car door might not open or close, with a definite reason of ice. Somehow, moisture that gets to the latch and freezes can prevent the jaws from opening. Thus, spraying the lock de-icer properly on the latch can release it.
Latch Rod Binding in Door
However, the rod attached to the latch might have lost its clips or bound inside the door. This can be caused by trying to break into the car with a Slim Jim. The car door will be tucked until it is fixed. Bend rods could need replacement or might have to be reinstalled.
Bottomline
Whether you want to repair your car door or install a new one, we have everything you want. At car spare parts, you can purchase any model and type of car door at a nominal price. Thus, our professionals will guide you in whichever way you require.
Frequently Asked Questions
However, the reason the door latch is seized can be that the striker is misaligned or that an object is interfering with the latch from closing the striker.
You can get the car door latch fixed by paying for the parts, which start from $100. In many situations, the labor cost will be between $200 and $500.
In certain situations, yes, you can repair the door latch when the door freezes, which can be fixed by greasing. However, it is best to replace the part when the latch is disassembled.
