Question'97 Land Rover Discovery : Sometimes when I try to open the driver's side door from the outside, the latch doesn't catch and the door doesn't open. Is there a simple adjustment that can be made after removing the inside door panel??
AnswerHi Paul,
Here is what the LR workshop manual states:
ADJUSTMENT-FRONT DOOR LOCK AND HANDLE ASSEMBLY
Service repair no - 76.37.47
Inside door release handle to lock
1. Refit the inside door release handle surround before any adjustment is made, allowing the handle to be set from the correct operating position.
2. At the lock end of the interior handle connecting rod, rotate the spring tensioned nyloc nut clockwise or counter-clockwise, as necessary to shorten or extend the operating length of the rod.
Outside door release handle to lock
3. Disconnect the connecting rod from the plastic ferrule at the rear of the outer door release handle. Rotate the rod clockwise or counter-clockwise to shorten or extend the operating length as ecessary.
NOTE: Door release should be effective before the total handle movement is exhausted to provide a small overthrow movement.
(Send me an email and I'll reply with the actual sheet.)
jmcinnis64@hotmail.com
I suspect the plastic (or is it nylon) horizontal plunger that opens the latch has lost its strength and must be replaced. At least, this is what I had happen to my '95 Disco. Winter seasons took its toll on the door and it became increasing harder to open the door.
Suggestion: Replace the latch with a salvaged part and I'm sure it'll solve your problem. Salvaged parts are less expensive, especially if you are swapping parts to determine if a fix is good or not. Try the following site for these parts: www.car-part.com
You can save up to 80% and find a salvage yard close to you location. Better than paying full price and finding out the part you bought did not fix the problem.
Best of luck,
JohnMc
