Land Rover Repair: 97 Discovery Driver Door Latch, door latch, straight rod

Question
I have a 97 Discovery SE7 that I bought used with 90K miles on it. I like the vehicle so far but am afraid of future repair costs although only paid $3900 for it. Just yesterday I couldn't open the driver door from the outside but am able to normally from inside. Seems like the rear doors can get a little tough to open also at times. Any suggestions? Thanks!

Answer
Hi David,

nice purchase...great price.

The door problem you describe is quite common.  I suggest you clean up the latches on all your doors.  Air spray, toothbrush, whatever it takes but clean they all and keep them lubricated afterwards.  White lithium spray, if you can find it.  Be generous and what out for the leaking at the bottom of the door.

In some cases, the door handle release rod can be adjusted to open easier.  There is a plastic rod that pushes against the actual latch release.  The has been known to flex too much over time and thus slips off the latch release.

You'd have to remove the inner door panel, carefully remove the speaker, peel back the vapour barrier and then look for a long straight rod that goes from the outside door handle downwards.  Turning this rod can tighten or loosen the handle release mechanism.

Best of luck,

JohnMc