[Alidemedi]

Hi folks, I have a ridiculous problem. It is in the pictures below. After I open the door, the piece that I circled with red stays down. Then, to close the door, I have to lift the handle and lift that piece using something small like a pen or the car key. It happens every now and then.
What is the solution you think? I tried putting some lubricating oil but did not help. Now I consider replacing it, if cheap, but I cannot figure out what is the replacement part. I don't even know what it is called really.

 

[sdspeed]

Door Latch:

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[Alidemedi]

Thanks, it seems correct piece. Not as cheap as I had hoped, but seems like only solution.

 

[sdspeed]

You can check a local salvage yard. New is triple that if you can find one.

 

[jrmorgan123]

Car-part.com has listings for as low as $35 for that part.

 

[Brad_G]

@Alidemedi, I'm not certain but I'm wondering if there is an assist spring to help hold that up that may be broken or weak. Before I went to the effort of tearing the door apart to replace it, I might try the passenger door and see how the latch mechanism feels compared to the driver. How much effort to lock and unlock manually (door open using your key/pen trick). If there is any spring and it's the culprit you should feel a difference between them.

Otherwise it still could be a lube issue. What did you use to lubricate it? Some things will attract dirt and can cause additional issues. Maybe use a silicon spray can with an attached tube so you can direct it upwards into the pivot point of the latch. Since it's intermittent it seems likely to be a lube issue more than a failed component.

Just a couple thoughts....

Brad