How to Adjust the Door Latch on a Dodge Dakota
- 1). Roll the window all the way up to make sure you'll have access to the inside of the door. Disconnect the negative (black) battery cable, as you may need to deal with electrical connectors.
- 2). Remove the door's inner trim panel by removing its mounting screws with a screwdriver and then lift the panel off its clips. You may also need to pry off the power window controls with a trim stick or disconnect the window crank by rubbing a rag behind it to disengage its clip. There may also be electrical connectors that you need to unplug.
- 3). Peel back the water-shield behind the door. Move the rear window run channel away from the latch by removing its mounting bolts with a wrench; moving the channel allows you more working room.
- 4). Loosen or remove the three mounting screws for the latch that are on the door; these will require a hex wrench. Adjust the latch's position within the door as needed, then tighten the screws back down.
- 5). Adjust the latch striker's position, if needed. The striker is on the door jamb, and it uses similar hex bolts as the latch. With the bolts loosened, you can move the striker's position up, down, left or right.
- 6). Re-connect all parts in reverse order of removal once the latch is correctly aligned.
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