Installation of latching mechanism

I ended up replacing my drivers side latching mechanism on the 2008 F430. It went well although it took me over 5 hours to do it. But I took my time and documented my procedure. As typical, the upper cable had corroded and it was not allowing the latch to lock when it interfaces with the striker.

Here are a few items to note:

- I marked the location if the jam nuts for the cable ends when I removed them from the door. I used these as a guide where I should place the new jam nuts.

- Make sure to run the cable that goes to the inner door handle under the hardware for the window.

- If you have removed the white sound barrier correctly, You can "press" it back into place and the adhesive will stick to the door without issue.

- Once you have assembled everything, but prior to putting back the armrest cover on, you can adjust the cable tension for the inner door handle by moving the jam nuts. If you need more tension, move the jam nuts closer to the end. If less tension is needed, move them in the opposite direction.

- In order to get the upper metal clips (under the weather strip) on the door correctly, you need to put the window in the down position. This will allow you to position the top of the door panel correctly. Work from the front to the back and you should have no issues.

I have attached a word document that goes through the process. I hope it helps. Let me know if there are any questions.

Tony
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Mike -

The latch would not close around the striker plate.

When I opened the door, the outer handle opened with a more force than it normally takes. When I went to close it, all I got was a "thud" and the latch never closed around the striker therefore leaving the door in the open position. I am so glad this happened when the vehicle was in storage.

I hope my explanation is sufficient.

 

Mike -

The micro switches do not have a way to adjust them so it is a straight swap.

I did not have to do anything with the outer door handle but in order to fix it, you will have to remove the door panel and sound barrier to get to it. You shouldn't have to remove the latch mechanism, but you'll be working in a confined area.

I hope this helps.

 

The "outer" micro is the one for the window drop (the one shown in my picture where I am removing the spring clip with the pick). The micro which requires the small screw to be removed is the one for the door lock.