passenger door not latching properly, can't be shut
Thread Starter
CF Veteran
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 1,024
Likes: 2
From: Quebec
Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
passenger door not latching properly, can't be shut
so it already did this randomly, but today it seems my passenger door can't but shut anymore, the thing that secures the door once shut stays loose and doesn't keep the door in place.
is this a problem that can be fixed by replacing a spring inside the latch mechanism or it needs to be replaced altogether? what can i do temporarily to keep the door shut while driving? tape it shut?
also if it needs to be replaced, will a 1988 door latch fit a 1996? that's the only available jeep other than a 1997 which i'm pretty sure doesn't fit.
thanks
is this a problem that can be fixed by replacing a spring inside the latch mechanism or it needs to be replaced altogether? what can i do temporarily to keep the door shut while driving? tape it shut?
also if it needs to be replaced, will a 1988 door latch fit a 1996? that's the only available jeep other than a 1997 which i'm pretty sure doesn't fit.
thanks
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 914
Likes: 14
From: north carolina
Year: 2000
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
I think you need a 1992 to 1996 door latch mechanism. Obviously you should remove the door panel to take a look and see why it's loose before buying a replacement. You can tie off the door inside- door handle to seat bracket.
CF Veteran
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 7,965
Likes: 964
From: Lost in the wilds of Virginia
Year: 1998 Classic (I'll get it running soon....) and 02 Grand
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
Try just taking the mechanism completely out (it's not difficult) and giving it a good cleaning with throttle body cleaner. Do NOT use brake cleaner! It can dissolve plastics.
Once you have it cleaned up, use some Lock Ease to lube things up. I just did this with mine because the rear doors would not open at all.
Then reassemble and see if it's good. If not, it might be time to replace the mechanism.
Once you have it cleaned up, use some Lock Ease to lube things up. I just did this with mine because the rear doors would not open at all.
Then reassemble and see if it's good. If not, it might be time to replace the mechanism.
Thread Starter
CF Veteran
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 1,024
Likes: 2
From: Quebec
Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
yesterday night i tried closing the door one last time and it actually worked, so i locked it and won't open it again until i'm ready to replace the part.
i went and bought the 1988 door latch at the junkyard today, cost me a big $3.99, so I have nothing to lose trying it. I found this on ebay, mine is the exact same : http://www.ebay.com/itm/84-87-88-89-90-91-92-93-94-95-96-CHEROKEE-RIGHT-FRONT-DOOR-LATCH-pass-side-XJ-/121611044389?fits=Year%3A1996%7CModel%3ACherokee&h ash=item1c50954625:g
fEAAOSwEeFVHBay&vxp=mtr
This door latch works properly and latches solid. This should fit 84-96 Cherokee and Wagoneer models. Will NOT fit Grand Cherokee. You will recieve exactly what you see in the picture.
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Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 121
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i'm not sure what the striker latch is exactly, but my problem seems to be the mechanism that keeps the door shut (the thing held on with 3 screws), the part that secures the door is loose. yesterday night i tried closing the door one last time and it actually worked, so i locked it and won't open it again until i'm ready to replace the part. i went and bought the 1988 door latch at the junkyard today, cost me a big $3.99, so I have nothing to lose trying it. I found this on ebay, mine is the exact same : http://www.ebay.com/itm/84-87-88-89-90-91-92-93-94-95-96-CHEROKEE-RIGHT-FRONT-DOOR-LATCH-pass-side-XJ-/121611044389?fits=Year%3A1996%7CModel%3ACherokee&h ash=item1c50954625:gfEAAOSwEeFVHBay&vxp=mtr hahaha i should try this!
fEAAOSwEeFVHBay&vxp=mtr hahaha i should try this!