Hey guys I have a volvo 240 dl and on one of my rear doors sometimes when I close it the latch does not fully lock and it bounces back. Any ideas how to correct this? Thanks!

I've seen this problem on several cars, and more commonly on the 740, 760 and 780 vehicles.

Make sure that the outside door handle is returning all the way to its "ready" position. If it isn't springing all the way back, then the door latches will not function properly (and the door can either bounce back or inadvertenly open during a drive). If this is the case, then it's time to start lubricating things until you've found the culprit. (The handle pivots, rod linkages, the latch assembly itself, etc...) While motor oil does temporarily solve the problem, I've had improved long-term results when using White Lithium grease since it repels water and resists dirt contamination (water will displace motor oil, leaving the dust/dirt behind that it sucked up before it washed away.).

God bless and happy hunting your stuck linkage/pivots.
Fitz Fitzgerald.
--
'87 Blue 245, NA 228K
--
'87 Blue 245, NA 228K

How tight is the door against the frame when closed? Maybe the upper part is too close.

Try loosening the door hinge bolts a bit (not too much or the door will fall and need to be lifted and re-aligned), push the door closed till it locks, then carefully open the door and tighten the bolts. Basically, you want to loosen the bolts enough that movement only occurs when you push.
--
1980 245 Canadian B21A with SU carb and M46 trans

Disregard this empty spot and look at my real message above.

Haven't had that problem on my 1984 or 1986 or 1988, yet. General solution for me would be to remove trim panel and lubricate everything in sight with a good quality lithium spray lube.

Good Luck,

Bob

:>)