Need detailed diagram of 1998 latch mechanism to remove connections from it

Question edited for clarity.

Try these

https://portal-diagnostov.com/en/2020/04/11/instrument-cluster-ford-econoline-e150-1998-system-wiring-diagrams/

https://www.google.com/search?q=2000+e150+4.2+van+instrument+cluster+pinout

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that usually goes onto the top latch.. be better to remove top latch an visibly see the eye where to hook ur cable for solid connection.. very visible eye..cant mistake it .then proceed with the rest of install to exterior handle

with or without memory locks can email you a diagram ,e mail me @ [email protected] give me year and engine size and is it a e150,e250 ext.

Here's how I repaired mine. Go inside and remove the plastic 2" square plastic cover. By pushing on the lever inside this area, the latch will release. Push on the door at the same time, when the latch is pushed. With the door open, remove all four screws from the plastic panel. Now pry carefully the big plastic panel off the door. There are plastic snaps holding this on, all around the edges. Now there is another metal cover over the latch mechanism under this panel. Remove this. You now can see into the latch area and put the handle back into the slot where it came out of. You'll see that the ends of the handle can be put back on the round bar, but to hold them in place, I attached 2 nylon ties on one end. You can also purchase a metal push on retainer from the local hardware store. Mine has been repaired for 8 months and had no trouble. Ford used no retainer on these handles and after prolonged use, they bend and the handle can be pulled off. A twenty minute job. Your wife can even do it.
Fred C

it isn't that the cable is off I believe it will be that the mechanism is siezed. you will need to gain entry from the inside through an access hole in rear hatch door. once you get the door open you will need to remove the latch and oil it with penetrating oil and work the latch until it works freely

Remove the door handle bezel.Remove the power window/door lock switch bezel.Remove the rearview mirror fastener trim cover.Remove the 4 door trim panel retaining screws.One that was behind the mirror trim cover,behind the switch panel,behind the door handle bezel,and one at the bottom corner.Lift the door trim panel up from the door to disengage the trim panel clips.Remove the front radio speaker. Disconnect the power mirror wiring connector.Remove the 3 bolts to the mirror.

Cut them off with torches

There is no way to post/attach such info on this site, I would suggest you try to buy a factory manual on ebay, they are much cheaper there than at the dealer who would want the dead to your house.

When the actuator moves the latch up, it connects the outside door handle to the opening mechanism. When the latch is down, the outside door handle is disconnected from the mechanism so that it cannot be opened. So in this case your latch needs to be replaced, the latch or one of its parts is malfunctioning. the outside handle is never beening disconnected from the latch. remove the door panel visually inspect for damage, and take the proper repair