Door Latch/Door Handle - Stuck Open or Closed: Overview

Article No.
98-9-2

05/11/98

DOOR LATCH - STUCK IN OPEN OR CLOSED
POSITION - OUTSIDE HANDLE MAY BE STUCK IN UP
POSITION

FORD:
1996-97 CROWN VICTORIA, THUNDERBIRD

LINCOLN-MERCURY:
1996-97 COUGAR, GRAND MARQUIS, TOWN CAR

This TSB article is being republished in its entirety to update the Service Procedure and include additional Labor Operations.

ISSUE
The door latch may stick in the open or closed position and the outside door handle may remain stuck in the up position on some vehicles. This may be caused by the inside door lock and outside door handle being operated simultaneously, causing the link lever to move to an incorrect position.

ACTION
Install a new door latch with an illuminated entry switch. The new latch restricts link lever movement to reduce the possibility of the lever moving out of position. Refer to the Service Procedure for details.

PART NUMBER PART NAME

F4SZ-6321812-A Door Latch - RH (Thunderbird/cougar,
Town car)
F4SZ-6321813-A Door Latch - LH (Thunderbird/cougar,
Town car)
F5AZ-5421812-B Door Latch - RH (Crown
Victoria/Grand Marquis)
F5AZ-5421813-B Door Latch - LH (Crown
Victoria/Grand Marquis)
E7DZ-13752-A Illuminated Entry Switch

OTHER APPLICABLE ARTICLES: NONE

SUPERSEDES: 97-14-1

WARRANTY STATUS: Eligible Under The Provisions Of Bumper To Bumper Warranty Coverage

OPERATION DESCRIPTION TIME

980902A Replace Door Latch - Door 0.8 Hr.
Stuck Open

980902B Replace Door Latch - Door 1.0 Hr.
Stuck Closed -
Thunderbird/Cougar

980902C Replace Door Latch - Door 1.8 Hrs.
Stuck Closed - Crown
Victoria/Grand
Marquis/Town Car

DEALER CODING
CONDITION
BASIC PART NO. CODE
6321812 41

OASIS CODES: 108000, 112000