My bottom latch on my rear door on my 00 ranger has an issue latching. I've done nothing to the doors except put new seat belts in. I have adjusted the part that the door latches onto and I'm still having issue's with it latching. I don' know if has anything to do with it sitting for 3 years with rats living in it or what.

 

I've got the exact same issue with the top latch, ive got to slam the door hard to get both latched. I just don't use that door much so I never got around to fixing it. I'm guessing its the latch mechanism in the door itsself, not the striker on the cab.

 

I've slammed the door and the bottom won't latch. The door shuts and locks but I can still pull on the bottom of the door. I did replace the cable and the latch and it still wont latch.

 

I have a 2001 with the same issue, and what I’ve been told, is that over time, road debris, moisture, wear and tear and use, the “Door ajar” sensor starts to wear out, meaning that you either have to replace the latch, which come with the new sensor, or, replace just the sensor which they do sell on Amazon, but IMO I’m not sure why anyone would go through all that trouble and not just replace the latch that comes with the new sensor for a whole $25
in fact, because my lower latch is dead, and doing the same thing, every little bump or harder left turn and the light + Beep happens driving me mad! lol
here’s the simple solution…. I’m ordering mine now, I’ll see it in 2 days, Free shipping…. OR, I could get it overnight for $32…. I’m not in THAT big of a hurry…. It is cold AF outside right now!! 🥶
heres the link to the latch…. This one is for the (right side rear lower) passenger side, LOWER rear latch….

https://a.co/d/15dxtuI