Ford Recall Field Service Alert 18N03 | Door Latch Freezing Concerns

[NE Raptor]

Mine has been good since coming back from the dealer. I have a late production 18 as well. Passenger front was the biggest problem - it only froze up on me twice but they replaced the door handle, said something was broken. They then greased all 4 and I have had no issues at all since getting it back. They claimed they had their own fix as others are having the same experience despite there being no TSB or Recall on our trucks. Mine only acted up if I washed the truck and then it got cold overnight.

 

[Seartrip]

I'm having the problem on my 2017. When temps hit the single digits in the NE I either couldn't open my doors, or if they did open, they wouldn't latch. It's happened several times and it' a real PITA when you have to go somewhere, like pickup your kids. Not sure the nanny state would like me asking my son to hold the door closed while we drive.

It's probably a pretty straight forward fix, and I could probably just lube all four latches and cables and be done with it, but I'm going to have my dealer handle it next week. I'm always leery of the dealership taking anything apart, especially interior components, but fingers crossed. While I'm there I'm going to get the fire risk recall done, and also ask them to apply the latest PCM update as part of TSB 18-2274.

Side note- the freezing lock issue came up as a Field Service Action on my FordPass app, yet the dealership said they didn't see it listed for my vehicle. I told them I have the problem regardless so they're taking care of it.

 

[SJRaptorG2]

With the freeze we just had here in the Northeast my passenger door latch froze and door would not close. Fortunately, I was in my driveway and not 200 miles away as planned. I also have a ford dealer 1 mile away that I can get to using back roads. If you have not done this recall I recommend you do, because if the latch freezes the truck pretty much cannot be driven, I tied a rope to the door and held it while driving to the dealer. Also I found the following vid explaining the issue and an update to the recall. Many people that had the fix done still have the issue returning. Sucks that I have to have the dealer take apart my doors, they never seem to put panels back correctly.

 

[aalonso]

The best fix for the freezing latch is to use WD40 White Lithium Grease.. I have been using it on my old GEN1, and continue to use it on my GEN2 and never had a freezing latch even after washing the truck with 32F temps.. all that you need to do is to spray all latches from the outside as you pull on the latch handle and inside of the mechanism thru the inner locking mechanism in the side of each door.. spray enough until it overflows!! That is the best and true reliable fix!


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[Wfo]

My truck has the update and still froze!

 

[Fury Road]

2019s having the same issues?

 

[Wfo]

2019s having the same issues?

Most likely. My truck was built at the end of September with the most current updates and the doors are freezing

 

[Fury Road]

2019s having the same issues?

 

[smurfslayer]

The best fix for the freezing latch is to use WD40 White Lithium Grease.. I have been using it on my old GEN1, and continue to use it on my GEN2 and never had a freezing latch even after washing the truck with 32F temps.. all that you need to do is to spray all latches from the outside as you pull on the latch handle and inside of the mechanism thru the inner locking mechanism in the side of each door.. spray enough until it overflows!! That is the best and true reliable fix!


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I was unaware of wd40 WLG. I’ve previously suggested CRC marine grade WLG - but yeah, that stuff will make freezing much more difficult.

 

[lifeline]

spraying the latch will not solve the problem most people are having. Clearly, it will avoid the actual latch itself from freezing but the problem addressed in the TSB is unrelated to the latch itself freezing. The TSB addresses the moisture being allowed to enter the inner door and get trapped in there. It also addresses the moisture that gets trapped in the cable housing that freezes and causes the latch to be stuck open( you pulling the door handle with force much greater than the spring responsible for bringing the cable back into resting position, it's just too weak to fight through the ice in the housing). It's the cable that freezes in the housing after being pulled into the open position, not the actual latch that is the problem. If you took that lithium grease and sprayed it into the housing somehow (I think it's too thick though) you will be getting somewhere.