Back doors wont open from the inside

[240SX_89]

Well like the title says back doors wont open from inside. I have the same problem with a 1997 Explorer.

[shorod]

You may have the child locks enabled. Have you checked the owner's manual for the child locks and how they work? There is just a tab near the latch that gets flipped to either lock or unlock depending on which mode you prefer. If yours are flipped to the symbol of a closed padlock, try flipping the lever and see if that fixes your problem.

-Rod

[shorod]

Did you figure out what the problem was?

-Rod

[luvmy4X4]

I also have a 97 Mountaineer.. & the same problem..
However I am smart enough to make sure that the "child lock" switch was NOT activated! If you pull the door handle REALLY hard (from the inside).. SOMETIMES the door will open!!...otherwise.. my solutions are the following: roll down the window & open from the outside!! OR have someone open the door from the outside!!

[shorod]

From the service manual, it appears that the inside handles are actuated by rods rather than cables, so it's probably not an adjustment issue. I suppose either the plastic of the handle could be cracked and/or stretching, or the maybe the latch mechanism needs a good cleaning and degumming.

-Rod

[leen369]

I hate to tell you this but I've had this problem with all FOUR of my 1998 Mountaineer doors...my regular mechanic said he could NOT fix it & I had to have it done at the dealership & each time it cost me over $200!!!
I purchased this car new & one by one the door latches went starting in 2004. One was missing a washer which caused the latch to jam & break.
The rest the plastic latch/rod inside the door broke.

[Retired Jim]

This also happened to me. If the rear doors locks appear to move to the un-lock position, my guess is the solution is a good cleaning and lubing of all the componets. It worked for me and I've had no problems since. The problemis the child lock is patrially engaged even though you can see it from the out side. While cleaning and lubing manually work locks and child lock out lever.

[ajv0982]

I've got a 2000 Mountaineer and have a similar problem. People ride in my trunk (legal in Texas-woohoo) because they hate having to yank and push to get the back doors open. I know this is of no technical help but I went out bought the Police Interceptor window stickers and tell people it's an old cop car and that's why my doors won't open from the inside. What is life without humor.

[Retired Jim]

It is for sure a child lock problem. I stuck a "slim jim" into the door thropough the window and was able to move the rod just enough so I could open the door again. Once open I cleaned and lubed the child lock slide and door locking rod as best I could this was 6 months ago problem has not returned.

Originally Posted by 240SX_89

Well like the title says back doors wont open from inside. I have the same problem with a 1997 Explorer.

[alliesmeme]

I just changed the door handles on my mountaineer and at first everything was fine but now my door won't open from inside or out....help please