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DougG 
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Location: Mo
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 Topic: Dodge Stratus door latches won't catch under 32 de
Posted: 06 Dec 2018 at 11:11am |
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96 Dodge Stratus passenger side doors when closed under 32 degrees will not catch or latch, they don't get used much as its my go to work car but its aggravating, sprayed them with PB Blaster, carb cleaner and stuff no change, above freezing they are fine,, any experience or suggestions on this?
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jaybmiller
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Joined: 12 Sep 2009
Location: Greensville,Ont
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Posted: 06 Dec 2018 at 11:48am |
move to a warmer part of the country ?  sorry but someone had to say it..... I would clean with brake cleaner, then a light application of a spray lubricant. 'exercise' the latch a lot to get lube onto all surfaces. My hunch is that a little bit of water's in there and freezes. Jay
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3 D-14s,A-C forklift, B-112
Kubota BX23S lil' TOOT( The Other Orange Tractor)
Never burn your bridges, unless you can walk on water
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DougG
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Location: Mo
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Posted: 06 Dec 2018 at 11:55am |
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Done all that , no change and a warmer climate is a great idea !
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DMiller
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Joined: 14 Sep 2009
Location: Hermann, Mo
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Posted: 06 Dec 2018 at 12:06pm |
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Biggest problem with ANY Chrysler door latch was the plastic parts deformed over time, that and cold makes them sticky where no amount of hammering or lubricating will change them.
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DougG
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Posted: 06 Dec 2018 at 1:07pm |
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DMiller I think your right, I use the drivers side front and back every day and no problem, its always something!
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jaybmiller
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Posted: 06 Dec 2018 at 2:17pm |
PLASTIC ???? arrgh... OK, clean them again then use a 'graphite' based lubricant, like locksmiths use or 'molyslip'. The next to last thing to do is tear the stuff apart( take GOOD pictures first !!) then use 1,000 grit sandpaper to polish the pieces smoooooooth. Mirror finish, then reassemble, graphite them, and see what happens. Hopefully that will work.... Jay
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3 D-14s,A-C forklift, B-112
Kubota BX23S lil' TOOT( The Other Orange Tractor)
Never burn your bridges, unless you can walk on water
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DougG
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Posted: 06 Dec 2018 at 2:59pm |
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Good thinking
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DiyDave
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Posted: 06 Dec 2018 at 6:17pm |
Turn the car 180ยบ, so that the sun warms them up. No wait, that won't work, then the driver's side will stick! 
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RonnieJones
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Location: California
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Posted: 07 Dec 2018 at 8:02am |
Why not just adjust the striker? There is usually some adjustment in them. Loosen, hammer outward, tighten and test. Maybe some up and down adjustment as well. Sometimes the latch in the door is adjustable as well. Loosen the latch, probably 3 bolts, push inward and tighten.
Don't slam the door until you check alignment :)
It's probably ever so slightly off and when it's cold it opening the gap a bit more.
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shameless dude
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Posted: 07 Dec 2018 at 8:41am |
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if you take it all apart, just as well put new back in, might save you from taking it all apart again
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john(MI)
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Posted: 07 Dec 2018 at 10:53am |
Don't open that door! If it's only you going back and forth to work you shouldn't need that door! 
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D14, D17, 5020, 612H, CASE 446
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DiyDave
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Posted: 07 Dec 2018 at 6:27pm |
Dammit, I hadda make a joke about door latches, and today I busted one of the ears on the all plastic (junk) tailgate latch on the 06 ranger I just bought... That'll learn me... 
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DougG
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Posted: 07 Dec 2018 at 6:42pm |
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Great advise!
Edited by DougG - 08 Dec 2018 at 7:14am
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john(MI)
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Posted: 07 Dec 2018 at 9:43pm |
Carry one of those small torches with you and warm the door. Fire heals all problems!
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D14, D17, 5020, 612H, CASE 446
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