Date:         Wed, 27 Aug 2003 16:04:23 -0700
Reply-To:     mark drillock <drillock@EARTHLINK.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         mark drillock <drillock@EARTHLINK.NET>
Subject:      late sliding door latch mech removal
Comments: To: Doktor Tim <doktortim@ROCKISLAND.COM>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

Ok, I just pulled the latch mechanism from a 91 Syncro, took about 3
minutes. This had power locks so it had an extra piece hanging from it
but that did not get in the way. I disconnected the operating cable that
goes to the rear part of the door (one circlip) and removed the hooked
end of the smaller rod from the electric lock motor. I removed the inner
and outer handles and all the screws that hold the latch in place. Then
I maneuvered the mechanism out as follows.

First I lifted the mechanism straight up as high as it could go inside
the door, while wiggling it to follow the contour of the cutout where
the square boss for the inner handle protrudes. Just below the window
there is a wide spot and the mech must go all the way up into it. It is
a tight squeeze.
Then I slide the mechanism about 6 inches to the rear while rotating it
clockwise about 90 degrees. Then it comes out of the hole and you are
done.

Mark

Doktor Tim wrote:
>
> Well, it happens on the later latches as well. Now, please explain how to
> get the latch out. I removed all the handles and screws and can find no way
> to get it out of the door.
>
> At 05:30 PM 08/25/2003, you wrote:
>
> >Sorry, it is broken. The little black knob is supposed to stay up by
> >itself. The 80-84 models are prone to this failure. A tiny spring breaks
> >and then the little black knob won't stay up and the door locks itself
> >every time you close it. The whole latch assembly is riveted together so
> >I don't know how to fix it. I buy working ones at the junkyard and
> >replace them. The later models don't seem to fail this way but they
> >won't fit the early door.