rear hatch wont close/latch REPAIRED

[after oil]

hi
the rear hatch wont latch on to the hook and stay shut. ive adjusted the hook (dont know what to call it, but the part screwed to the bottom of the back opening) to no avail. the mechanisms in the door appear to be working okay. the door just bounces off the latch. ideas?

[Jordan]

This happened to me a few weeks ago. I had to take the door skin off, undo the clips the long metal rod is attached to and pull the latching mechanism from the bottom of the door. After its out you can take it apart and see the clasp that is seized. Soak it in the penetrating oil of your choice, clean it up, move it around, grease it and put it back together/in. Hopefully it is the same problem.

[Tojo]

Hi After Oil,

I had this exact problem with a sliding door latch on my Westfalia. I looked around for a detailed diagram of the Delica rear hatch lock but I couldn't find one, so I've attached a generic lock diagram, sorry it won't be correct but hopefully gets the idea across. I'm at work right now, so I can't take photos of mine. So here goes: Internally there should be a hook feature (B) that interacts with a corresponding hook features (A). What I did was remove the lock assembly from the door, put it in the vise, then use a file to 'sharpen' the hooks so that they catch, but not too much or they will stick. After that the door shouldn't bounce back as you describe. Hope this helps.

Tojo

[FalcoColumbarius]

A slightly different take, I had a similar situation happen to me on a very rough Hurley Pass. It was the male (hook) ~ it's the one the jamb held on by two screws that the latch in the tailgate clasps to? The screws had loosened off, therefore the clasp wasn't able to connect properly. Probably a grand total of six or seven revolutions of the screws on the hook fitting and it closed properly.

Falco.

[after oil]

falco: ive adjusted and tightened the part you describe, the male (which is called the striker in Tojo's diagram) and it aint that. its the mechanism for sure. tomorrow in the daylight i guess ill take it apart and try Tojos and Jordans suggestions

[Jordan]

Mine was the secondary clasp that Tojo mentioned. The obvious one (visible when the mechanism is still in the van) still moved fine but once apart the second latch was visible and I was able to get it moving again.

[FalcoColumbarius]

Cool ~ just a thought, at least you know it isn't that ~ hate to see you take apart the whole tailgate to find it was the striker... smiles.

Jordan, how long did the task take you to perform and how long do you think it would take you to do it again?

Falco.

[after oil]

i took the whole mechanism right out. the latch springs open again at the slightest touch, so when the door shut, it would just spring itself open. it seems that the mechanism doesnt come apart very easliy, it is riveted together. so i did what any sensible delica fanatic would do: i went to my parts delica and took the mech. out of that one and put it in to one of my driving delicas. after some fiddling to get the locks all lined up, it all works fine

[hotplate]

How hard is this latch mechanism to disassemble and reassemble? I'm running into the same problem and with a lot of fixes like this, I can usually never get the part back together

[hotplate]

Is there anyone in the Comox Valley that has a replacement latch mechanism I could buy off them? I'm leaving the island soon, and unfortunately CVDelica is closed until the new year.

Thanks

[almac]

I would try CCA or CVI.

[hotplate]

I would try CCA or CVI.

who is CVI?

[almac]

CVI in richmond

[everythingells]

How hard is this latch mechanism to disassemble and reassemble? I'm running into the same problem and with a lot of fixes like this, I can usually never get the part back together

i have had the same issue. i can't find whats keeping it from closing or the latch engaging at all. i can hear the auto lock button clicking, but the lock won't lock or even close. the key won't lock it ether nor will the latch engage in any way, so the door is just open always. did anyone find any issues and can you take a photo so i can attach the exact problem?
thanks

[Big-Bird]

The alignment bumpers is the door jam need to be checked for proper position.

The lock mechanism inside the door can get dirty and the interlock mechanism won't move all the way to properly engage the main catch...or pin.

If the hatch door has dropped a little due to hinge bolt tightness/alignment this could also prevent proper engagement.

Doors are finicky and a little love (aka cleaning/adjustments) usually fixes the issues.

I think I wanna host a maintain your Delica day this summer.....Calgary based but all would be welcome....just bring some tools and your own parts