Need help 1998 Silverado 1500 door latch

DonSSDD · Canadian Poncho Superstar!

Need help 1998 Silverado 1500 door latch

cdnpont · Canadian Poncho Superstar!

I think I'd just replace it as well, https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/chevrolet,1998,c1500+pickup,5.0l+v8,1303355,body+&+lamp+assembly,door+latch,10748

Canadian Poncho · A Poncho Legend!

It is a pain to remove- you have to disconnect the rods that have annoying clips that you have to "unlock" unsing a tool like a pick. You have to disconnect the rods at the inside door handle as you'll never be able to connect the rod at the latch. You can try removing the vent below the latch to gain access and hit the mechanism with brake cleaner and see what happens. Also the rod from the latch to the inside handle snaps into a retainer in the door to keep it from moving around and that could be all gummed up as well.

Prefectca · Poncho Master!

I am sure that you need to replace the latch. There is a spring that keeps the latch part up (open) until the door is closed when the striker on the door post engages the latch. When the spring is broken the latch drops down and hits the striker and the door wont close. It might be sticky from lack of use or old grease but when I was working the latch problem was common on these trucks.

Paul

DonSSDD · Canadian Poncho Superstar!

Thanks for the great advice, since this is a low mileage unit stored indoors all its life, Ill try the cleaner first and get new parts if it doesnt work.

MC · Canadian Poncho Superstar!

The residue around the vents look like the truck has had Krown or Rust Check applied in the past. Might not be a bad idea to get a can of Rust Check from Canadian tire to re-spray whatever you will be removing with the brake cleaner.

Typically I wouldn't spray a latch with something so harsh like brake cleaner, since there are often a number of plastic parts and possibly some micro-switches, etc. in some of them, but if it's that or replace it, I suppose it's worth a try. Probably will be alright.