Saturn vehicles utilize a mechanical door latch. Over time this latch may wear out and keep your Saturn's door from closing properly. Replacing the door latch on a Saturn vehicle can easily be accomplished in an hour or two with just a few simple tools.
Disconnect the ground cable from the negative battery terminal by using a wrench to loosen the retaining bolt. Pull the clamp off the terminal.
Remove the interior mirror trim panel. This is the plastic piece on the inside of the door, opposite the side view mirror. Do this by removing the retaining screw using a Phillips screwdriver, then removing the panel.
Remove the power door lock switch if the vehicle has power locks. Insert a small flat-blade screwdriver between the top of the switch and the door panel. Pry the switch out of the door panel and pull the plastic connector off the back of the switch.
Remove the interior door handle. Remove the screws that secure the door handle to the door. Slide the handle forward and pull it away from the door panel. Using a long screwdriver, pry the actuating rods from the back of the handle. Then remove the handle from the vehicle.
Remove the window regulator handle. Using a GM window handle tool, align the tool with the handle and insert the tool between the handle and the door panel. This will disengage the retaining clip and allow you to pull the handle off the regulator shaft.
Remove the door pull cup. Using a Phillips screwdriver, remove the screws at the bottom of the door pull cup. Remove the door pull cup from the door panel.
Remove the door trim panel. Insert a wide, flat paint scraper between the door panel and the door frame. Slide the scraper around the door panel until you contact one of the plastic retaining clips. Pull straight out to disengage the plastic clip from the door frame. Continue around the door panel until all the clips are disengaged. Lift the door panel up to remove it from the door.
Remove the door latch. Reach into the door and locate the door latch at the rear. Slide the retaining clip off the actuating rod connected to the latch. Then pull the rod from the latch. Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the screws that connect the door latch to the door. These screws will be on the outside of the door frame. Once the screws are removed you can remove the latch from the vehicle.
Lift the new latch into position and reinstall the screws that retain it. Insert the actuating rod into the door latch and slide the retaining clip over the rod.
Reinstall the interior door panel. Slide the door panel into position from above, making sure the retaining channel at the top of the panel engages with the retainers on the door frame. Use the palm of your hand to press the plastic clips into the holes along the door frame.
Insert the door pull cup into position in the door panel and reinstall the screws that retain it.
Reinstall the window regulator handle by pressing it onto the splined shaft with your hand.
Lift the interior door handle into position in the door panel. Insert the two actuating rods in the back of the handle. Then press the interior door handle into the door panel and reinstall the screws that retain it.
Press the power window switch wiring connector onto the back of the switch. Then press the switch into the door panel.
Lift the mirror into position and reinstall the screw that retains it.
Reconnect the ground cable to the negative battery terminal by sliding the clamp over the terminal, then using a wrench to tighten the retaining bolt.
