Why won't my Ford Taurus station wagon front door shut completely?

[wildmanmoon]

I drove the car to work, got out, closed and locked the driver side door with no problem. Going home I opened the door, got in, and as I pulled it shut it felt like the lock didn't engage correctly and there was a slight metal on metal bounce. I had to drive home holding the door closed with my left arm and steering with my right. When I got home after midnight I got a flashlight and screwdriver and tried to see if the locking mechanism was out of place. Unfortunately it was hard to see so I'll have to try again later. In the meantime the door is shut but the locking mechanism is not engaged. It looks a little beat up but I really can't tell if anything is broken. Is it hard to repair or replace? How expensive is it to have it repaired? I'm not very handy myself with car repairs. If it's not complicated I'll attempt it. Otherwise it's off to the shop and hope that my wallet doesn't get a thorough drubbing.

 

[Mr. Z]

It's not the lock on door (the latch), it's that the door has (most likely) dropped down, and is not engaging the "knob" that sticks out from door post. Fortunately, that is adjustable ( not by much), so you can try to loosen and lower it maybe 1/4 inch). That might do it, and it's very easy. I also recommend a slight amount of grease on that knob, and, of course, lube the door lock with spray on lube (for example, graphite based spray used normally for locks, also works for door latches). Price: about $3 and a crescent wrench, or perhaps just pliers. Good luck.