Another problem, Door latch broke Options

[jtmlb3k]

So tonight I was getting in my car to go to work when my door latch broke. I got in, closed the door, heard a clunk then a ping, and then the door popped back open and the metal latch-- I guess I can call it the "male" part attached to the car's frame that the door actually latches to-- fell to the ground with the screws. I tried screwing it back in but the holes were too big and the screws didn't catch anything (which doesn't make sense to me). So I'm thinking maybe a washer or something inside the car's frame is what broke?

Can anyone help me with this? Is there a way I can fix it by myself? I thought of using liquid steel just to tack it on there, but I know that isn't really safe.

I don't know much about cars (obviously) and have grown to beyond frustrated with my Celica over the last couple of weeks. Things just keep falling apart and I don't have the money for expensive fixes or a new car.

I need it to get to work and my other commitments, so if anyone has any suggestions it would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

[njccmd2002]

holy crap. so the door wont close?


there is a metal plate that has the nuts soldered to, but i tought it was fixed, maybe yours broke... it might still be there,

[jtmlb3k]

Ya, the door doesn't have anything to latch to, so it just swings freely.

And that makes sense with the clunk and the ping I heard. Just checked the frame and there isn't any metal plate that I can see. I unhooked the battery to keep the door opened light off. I'll try to bring it to the dealer but I really don't know what they could do if that plate you're talking about fell inside the car's frame. That seems like such a stupid design if that's the case...

[bmj67]

im not sure but you might be able to pull the interior plastic and reach in there and find the plate or whatever to screw it back on