1987 Jeep Wrangler door latch - 1997 Jeep Wrangler

Start out by checking the latch mechanism on the door. Use a screwdriver to "trip" the latch with the door open, then pull on the screwdriver against the latch gate. If it doesn't hold then you may have a bad latch (the springs in the latch can go bad over time). You can also try spraying penetrating oil (PB Blaster) into the latch and again using a screwdriver to trip the latch, then open with the handle, and repeat several times to work the oil into the mechanism and free it up (this trick also sometimes works with the springs on wiper arms that have lost tension). If the penetrating oil trick works, think about spraying dry lube or white lithium grease into the latch to help prevent it from happening again. If the door is misaligned, consider new hinge bushings, a misaligned door can cause damage to the door, and put tension on the door latch in a direction that puts pressure on the latch that it wasn't designed for.

1987 Jeep Wrangler 2.5 liter L4 VIN "H"





1987 Jeep Wrangler 4.2 liter L6 VIN "C" 2-bbl




Hope this helps (remember to rate this).

try idle air sensor

Most likely the rod that connects from the inside lever to the latch has come disconnected. There are small plastic clips that hold the rod to the latch, that may have broke. Would require removing the door panel.

good luck.
try ebay.

Try and apply some grease. If problem still remain. May be time to replace the latch.

check to make sure your seatbelt is not caught in the latch. if this is the case it may just take a little force.

Remove the inner door panel and check to make sure that the linkage rod that goes between the outer handle and the latch is connected. It's possible that the plastic end clip broke.

assuming that this jeep has not been wrecked recently, the only way to get that door open is to remove the door panel while the door is closed, at least enough to reach the door latch inside the door, once reached you can operate it and release it to open the door, I will tell you that the likely hood of damage to the door panel will probably occur, I have had this problem before and I had to cut a hole in the panel reach in and open the door, sorry it can't be simpler. if you feel the latch operating and you have recently ran into something, try pull the door handle from inside while pushing the door open

I have the Haynes repair manual 1987-2003 Jeep Wrangler with all of the schematics. Which wiring scematics do you need and maybe I can scan/email the pages, if this legal? Or can maybe answer questions you may have, keeping in mind I am NOT a mechanic but I can read plans/schematics