I have solved my problem thanks. 'Too Many MBZ' suggested that I loosen the striker plate. I did that and it started closing better Once I torqued it down it got harder. I decided to shim the striker plate with some pop can material: it brought it back in alignment.

For a time I had both bottom screws out. I thought that there was only one nut plate behind the door pillar but there are two plates one on top and one on the bottom, the plate got loose and started drifting down and back from the holes. I quickly got it pulled back up and got a screw started very gingerly. Maybe I could take the interior panel off to retrieve if I lost it but it didn't get completely away.

I did lube the tapered pin and the fulcrum of the latch with some light oil. The tapered pin was very dry. Seemed obvious. Thanks Charlie.

Getting it back working smoothly might keep it from beating the button to death.

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85 Merc 300D - Unwinding 31 years of wear
86 VW TD
Mahindra Diesel
Iseki Diesel

In 2007 I didn't own a diesel.