[Bodrey]

I have a '92 Safari and a few days ago the latch mechanism at the back of the sliding door stopped working properly. Now, the sliding door won't close (it won't fully "grab" onto the stationary pin on the inside of the door opening). I'm wondering if anyone else has had this problem and is there an easy way to fix it short of replacing the latch mechanism?

 

[astro355]

Unfortunately, there are a couple reason why your van is doing that.

-Latch can be stuck open
-Latch is simply broken
-Latch is out of alignment with the door
-Debris stuck in the latch or track
-Rod for the latch is bent

Does the door sound normal when you close it or is there a loud "thud" when the latch should engage?

 

[Bgardner]

I'm having the same problem. Originally the latch got stuck in the closed positions and I had to remove the assy to free it up (some plastic from the hook got jammed in the mechanism). Anyway, when I put the latch back in I went to close the door and it makes a loud thud and bounces back open. But when I slowly "guide" it closed it latches but doesn't fully close the door. I push in on the back of the door but it still won't pull it in. I don't see anything blocking it and I even tried to adjust the catch pin but there is no adjustment (the hole is the same size of the bolt)
Please advise,
Brent

 

[chevymaher]

I'm having the same problem. Originally the latch got stuck in the closed positions and I had to remove the assy to free it up (some plastic from the hook got jammed in the mechanism). Anyway, when I put the latch back in I went to close the door and it makes a loud thud and bounces back open. But when I slowly "guide" it closed it latches but doesn't fully close the door. I push in on the back of the door but it still won't pull it in. I don't see anything blocking it and I even tried to adjust the catch pin but there is no adjustment (the hole is the same size of the bolt)
Please advise,
Brent

If that rubber stuff breaking,not a good sign.Latch probably wore out.There are gears in there that guide it closing around the pin.I have seen them jump a tooth off,and they act just like that.Once that rubber plastic wears out there alot of play.

 

[Bgardner]

hmmm... sounds like a junk yard trip. Thanks.

 

[RodKnock]

I had this problem about a month ago. I started disassembling the door with the intent of replacing the latch but stopped myself before I got too far. I ended up peeling off some of the rubber from the latch, adding some lube, and popping the latch open with a screwdriver. Super easy fix and I haven't had any problems since. Thought I'd post an update to save some folks from a junkyard trip.

Pry the latch like this