Thought door was frozen shut on 96 grand am se so pulled it open and now it won't close latch not engaged and door lines up but won't stay latched shut....

remove door panel to inspect linkage in extreme cold and age the clips/connectors break or pop off also if greased can thicken like a putty and also not allow proper working

is child lock engaged --and to pop the latch use a screw driver to push to release

The latch may be in the closed position even thought he door is open. Compare it to the passenger latch if it looks like it is latched you need to pull the handle and use a tool to swing the latch into the open position.

lube the latch up...
go to the passengers side and examine the latch... you could use a screwdriver and OPEN the latch on the drivers' door by pulling the door handle and prying the latch to the open possition... and try to close it ... repeate.

try lubricating the latch with a lite penetrating oil. if this doesnt work the latch will probably need replaced.

move the latch up slamming it knock it lower

Door latch on door itself is in closed position if it will not close at all. In this case, open door and pull outside handle hard to pop open door latch. If you have door opening at random, door latch needs replacing or door catch on body is loose.

ok open the door and look at the latch now while you are looking at it pull the handle as if you were going to open the door the latch should move if it doesnt it is stuck all you have to do is take a screw driver or something and manually move the latch and free it up hope this helps and next time youre doors freeze shut try a warm water in a bucket pour on all edge of door and it should open a lot easier good luck

Probably the spring broke which returns the latching mechanism to its "open" position. Pull the door handle and hold it. Take a screwdriver and flip the latch (catch) in the door to the open position. Now, you should be able to close the door 1 time, and it should latch. You need to replace the latch mechanism as soon as possible. You can get a used one from a junk yard. Some on-line parts stores also have free on-line repair manuals which show how to disassemble the door and replace the latch. It is not a difficult job. Anyone with some basic tools should be able to handle it.

The switch is part of the loca assy. and is about $200. Try this first...

Open the driver’s door. With a screwdriver or equivalent trip the latch on the door 2 clicks so it is in the locked position, just under that finger get a can of Brakecleen and hose the snot out of it. I mean really firehouse it. As fast as it evaporates I still had it running out of the door drains. Be careful not to get cleaner on the plastic door panel, trust me take extra care. Open the outside door handle to release the latch, then open and shut the door for a while, like a few dozen times, to work the latch. Repeat as necessary. Follow up by shooting some PB Blaster, WD-40 or whatever light lube is handy. If this doesn’t work, give it might take a day or so to work free. If still nothing then the micro switch might actually be broken, but this usually does the trick