Ford Escape: Handles, Locks, Latches and Entry Systems / Removal and Installation - Front Door Latch

Removal

NOTE: LH (left-hand) side shown, RH (right-hand) side similar.

NOTE: Removal steps in this procedure may contain installation details.

1. Remove the front door window regulator and motor.
   Refer to: Front Door Window Regulator and Motor (501-11 Glass, Frames and Mechanisms, Removal and Installation).
   

1. Remove the exterior front door handle.
   Refer to: Exterior Front Door Handle (501-14 Handles, Locks, Latches and Entry Systems, Removal and Installation).
   

1. If equipped.
   Remove the door lock cylinder.
   Refer to: Door Lock Cylinder (501-14 Handles, Locks, Latches and Entry Systems, Removal and Installation).
   

1. Remove the screw from the exterior front door handle reinforcement.
   Torque: 19 lb.in (2.2 Nm)

1. Remove the front door glass run and bracket bolts.
   Torque: 17 lb.in (1.9 Nm)

1. Remove the front door latch bolts.
   Torque: 71 lb.in (8 Nm)

1. 
   Remove the front door latch.
   
   1. If equipped.
      Disconnect the keyless entry keypad electrical connector.
      
   2. Disconnect the front door latch electrical connector.
      
   3. Disconnect the front door latch jumper harness routing clip.
      
   4. Disconnect the front door latch jumper harness electrical connector.
      
   5. Remove the front door latch.
      

1. NOTE: This step is only necessary when installing a new component.

   NOTE: Follow the unique instructions or graphic for this step in installation.

   Release the cable tension by turning the release screw until the handle lever releases from the stop.
   
   1. Turn the release screw until the handle lever releases from the stop.
      
   2. Release the handle lever from the stop.
      

1. NOTE: This step is only necessary when installing a new component.

   
   Remove the exterior front door handle reinforcement.
   
   1. Detach the cable from the exterior front door handle reinforcement cable bracket.
      
   2. Remove the cable eyelet from the lever.
      
   3. Press the locking tab down.
      
   4. If equipped, disconnect the door lock cylinder rod.
      Remove the exterior front door handle reinforcement.
      

1. NOTE: This step is only necessary when installing a new component.

   
   Remove the front door glass run and bracket.
   
   1. Release the front door glass run and bracket retaining tab.
      
   2. Release the front door glass run and bracket retaining tab.
      
   3. Remove the front door glass run and bracket from the front door latch.
      

1. NOTE: This step is only necessary when installing a new component.

   Remove the front door latch lock rod.
   

1. NOTE: This step is only necessary when installing a new component.

   Remove the exterior front door handle reinforcement to front door latch cable access cover.
   

1. NOTE: This step is only necessary when installing a new component.

   
   Remove the exterior front door handle reinforcement to front door latch cable.
   
   1. Remove the exterior front door handle reinforcement to front door latch cable front the mounting bracket.
      
   2. Remove the exterior front door handle reinforcement to front door latch cable end from the front door latch.
      

1. NOTE: This step is only necessary when installing a new component.

   
   Remove the interior front door handle cable and lock indicator cable access covers.
   
   1. Remove the lock indicator cable access cover.
      
   2. Remove the interior front door handle cable access cover.
      

1. NOTE: This step is only necessary when installing a new component.

   
   Remove the interior front door handle cable and lock indicator cable.
   
   1. Remove the lock indicator cable from the mounting bracket.
      
   2. Remove the lock indicator cable end from the front door latch.
      
   3. Remove the interior front door handle cable from the mounting bracket.
      
   4. Remove the interior front door handle cable end from the front door latch.
      

Installation

1. To install, reverse the removal procedure.
   

1. NOTE: This step is only necessary when installing a new component.

   NOTE: This step must be done correctly or the exterior door handle will not engage the lever on installation.

   Position the exterior front door handle reinforcement in the service position.
   
   1. While keeping tension on the cable and holding the handle lever in the engaged position against the stop.
      
   2. Turn the release screw until the handle lever is positioned against the stop.
      

1. If the door is equipped with one touch up/down, carry out the power door window initialization. Refer to: Power Door Window Initialization - Vehicles With: One-Touch Open and Close Front Windows (501-11 Glass, Frames and Mechanisms, General Procedures).