When the door latch on your Ford Taurus is not working properly, it will need to be replaced with a new unit. You can take your vehicle to a mechanic, or you can save some time and money by replacing the door latch yourself.
Remove the two screws that are securing the control panel to the door rest with a screwdriver. Pull off the control panel and disconnect the electrical cable.
Remove the screw that is securing the door latch cup to the door and then pull it out. Remove the five screws around the perimeter of the door panel that are used to secure it to the door.
Pry along the edge of the door panel with the screwdriver to release the plastic connectors. Pull the door panel off of the door and set it aside.
Remove the bolt that is used to secure the window regulator support bar to the door with a socket wrench. Slide the regulator support bar out of the way to access the door latch.
Remove the top part of the door key cylinder rod that is connected to the key cylinder lever.
Open the retainer that is used to connect the control rod for the outside door handle to the front door latch. Unplug the electrical connector for the door-ajar switch that is connected to the door latch.
Locate the three screws that are used to secure the front door latch to the door and remove them with the screwdriver. Pull the door latch out of the door and remove the remaining cables that are attached to the door latch.
Attach the cables you removed in the previous step to the new door latch. Insert the new door latch into the door and secure it with the screws.
Plug the electrical connector for the door-ajar switch into the door latch. Reconnect the top part of the cylinder rod to the cylinder lever.
Move the window regulator support bar back into place and secure it the with the bolt.
Re-attach the door panel to the door to complete the project.
