Finally decided to ask the experts.... glad ya'll are here...

Bought a used 2001 Dakota Quad All wheel drive..

Over a year and now the internal rear driver side door latch will not unlock the latch. You can feel the system almost unlatching, but doesn't quite make it. Outside works fine.

If I engage the child lock, you don't feel anything moving from internal latch. Disengage the child lock and you feel it pulling something.

Took the door off. Pull on the latch arm and it unlatches. It's almost like the door handle and latch arm are not pulling far enough.

I have not pulled the latch mechanism off the door yet, but looks like that may be the answer with a new one.

What do ya'll suggest?

 

Welcome to the forum Joe.

The latch could just be sticking, I've had it happen to my tailgate. Check it out and apply some lube, keep working it.

 

Thanks Dan

 

Is there a child proof mechanism on that truck? The with might have been bumped over.

 

OP, I'd just visit a junkyard and pull the mechanism.

 

[QUOTE=If I engage the child lock, you don't feel anything moving from internal latch. Disengage the child lock and you feel it pulling something./QUOTE]

I HATE it when people do exactly what I did!

DUH~~

Sorry. I need to read more closely BEFORE posting a response!