Front Doors - Hard to Open From Outside
NO.: TSB-96-42A-013DATE: June, 1996
MODEL: 1994-96 Galant
SUBJECT:
FRONT DOORS HARD TO OPEN
PURPOSE
This bulletin contains information about a change to the front door latches (both power and manual door locks) used on the 1994-96 Galant.
SYMPTOMS
Customers may complain that the front door is difficult to open with the outside door handle. The customer may experience this problem with either or both front doors. Higher than normal force on the outside door handle may be required open the door. This may be due to the door latch rod stroke margin being insufficient for proper door opening. The actuating rod on the new latch is lengthened approximately 2 mm so less effort is required to open the door.
AFFECTED VEHICLES
1994 Galant - All MMMA (US) produced vehicles
1995 Galant - All MMMA (US) produced vehicles
1996 Galant - All MMMA (US) produced before 10/20/95 (VIN: 4A3AJ56G8TE305110 and before)
PROCEDURE
If a customer complains of front door opening difficulty, follow the steps to inspect (and replace if necessary) the front door latch in question.
1. Referring to section 42 in the proper Galant service manual, remove the door trim panel and door latch.
2. Inspect the lot date number on the door latch. The lot date number is stamped on the top edge of the white plastic main latch housing, just outside the black foam latch mounting gasket. If the lot date is 5 8 06 or before, replace the door latch with a new latch having lot date 5 8 07 or later. Refer to the lot date number decoder to determine if a latch is the old or new style.
NOTE: Do not replace the latch if the lot number is 5 8 07 or later. Any vehicle with a latch having a lot date number of 5 8 07 or later already has the new style latch and will require further diagnosis to correct the door opening difficulty.
Examples:
OLD STYLE
A lot date number of 4 X 10 would indicate the latch was produced on the 10th day of October, 1994. This is an old style latch and requires replacement.
NEW STYLE
A lot date of 5 9 04 indicates a production date of the 4th day of September, 1995. This is a new style latch and has the longer actuating rod.
3. Make sure the door opens properly without high effort on the outside handle then reinstall the door trim panel.
PARTS INFORMATION
There is no part number change for the new style latch. Using the decoder in step 2, check the lot date number on the new latch ordered for replacement. Do not use the replacement latch if the lot date is 5 8 06 or lower. Return it to MMSA Parts Department for credit. Make sure the latch used for replacement has a lot date of 5 8 07 or later.
WARRANTY INFORMATION
Nature Code: 85Z Cause Code: 990
Labor Operation Number: 41414110 Time Allowance: 0.8 hr.
Warranty Coverage: Basic 3 years/36,000 miles
Special Warranty Information: On an as needed basis only.