Front Door Will Not Open When Using Outside Handle (Lubricate Handle and/or Replace Handle Housing)

Some customers may comment that the driver or passenger front door will not open when using the outside handle. Customers are still able to get in the vehicle by using the key in the door lock cylinder. All inside door handles will still operate.

This condition may be caused by the door handle sticking, not returning to the closed position or an inoperative door switch.

Apply lubricant to door handle and inspect the switch for proper operation. The following procedure should be performed on both front doors.

1. Check for codes. Depending on the vehicle, a code may have or may not have set.
2. Remove the door trim. Refer to Front Side Door Trim Panel in SI.
3. Unplug the door handle switch connector and with a DVOM, check the ohms of the switch with the door handle in the closed position. With the DVOM plugged into terminal F and terminal E, the reading should be OL. For terminal D and terminal C the reading should also be OL. If not, the switch is deflective. Replace the door handle housing.
4. Remove the outside door handle lock cylinder cap bolt plug (located on the inside upper door frame area).
5. Remove the bolt that retains the lock cylinder cap.
6. With the door handle in the open position, remove the door lock cap.
7. Disconnect the electrical connector from the front of the handle.




Notice: Damage may occur to the door handle switch if counterbalance is not held in the open position when removing the handle.

8. With the door handle in the open position, hold the counterbalance down and pull back on the outside handle to disengage it from the handle housing.



9. Apply Lubriplate lubricant to both sides of the front pivot area of the handle and on the rear part of the handle.
10. Place the counterbalance in the open position and install the handle.
11. Connect the electrical connector to the handle.
12. With the door handle in the open position, install the door lock cap.
13. Install the bolt that retains the lock cylinder cap.

Tighten
Tighten the bolt to 7 N·m (62 lb in).

14. Install the outside door handle lock cylinder cap bolt plug (located on the inside upper door frame area).
15. Repeat Step 3 to ensure that the door switch is operating properly before installing the door trim.
16. Install the door trim. Refer to Front Side Door Trim Panel in SI.

For vehicles repaired under warranty, use: