QuestionHi John,
I have a 97 DiscoveryS V8i and over the last couple of months the driver's door had been getting harder to open from the outside. First I had to really yank at it but after a while it would pop open if you pulled the handle out gently no less than three times (several more if I was in a hurry or it was RAINING!) I decided to see if I could udjust it so I took the trim off and had a look and adjusted it by shortening the rod that comes from the door handle down to the arm coming out from the latch. I just took it off and wound the little nib up the thread on the arm about four or five times. I then tested it by closing and opening the door several times from inside and out and the problem was gone, the outside handle was opening the door much easier. So I replaced the trim and locked it up, But when I unlocked it again the door wouldn't open AT ALL from the outside or the inside as if it is still locked. I'm going to try to take the trim off with the door shut and have a look. Is there any thing specific I should look for to get it to open?
AnswerHi Stephen,
I know exactly what you are going through. The door handles and locks on our Disco's are simple but (IMO) flawed. In your case, you may have over-adjusted the latch rod.
Once you have the door panel removed, you should be able to reach in and manually open the door. Just follow the rod and use some long needle-nosed pliers or a screw driver to open the latch.
Do you live in a colder climate? I live in Quebec Canada and have had trouble with these latches since we bought the Disco. The acrylic/plastic push rod flexes too easily and eventually warps out of shape. Replacements are usually in order. If you're really good at metalwork, you could pull out the entire unit and fashion a metal replacement. I think that is what is needed.
There is just too much flexibility in this push rod latch method. In winter the door trim freezes and the latch rods slip. In summer, the intense heat causes the rods to weaken and bend.
Once you have the panel off and the door open, you'll have to refine your adjustments. Next time, close the door with the panel off to test your adjustments. Carefully install the panel only after you've done exhaustive testing.
I wish I could do more for you, Stephen. I still have trouble with my passenger and rear door. LR told me that new components were needed. ($$$ cha-ching!)
To adjust the front door lock and handle follow these LR recommended steps.
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 necessary.
NOTE: Door release should be effective before the total handle movement is exhausted to provide a small overthrow
movement.
Best of luck,
JohnMc
