Are any of the exterior door handle components or linkages binding or broken?
Yes | GO to B3 |
|---|---|
No | INSTALL a new door latch. REFER to: Front Door Latch (501-14 Handles, Locks, Latches and Entry Systems, Removal and Installation). |
B3 CHECK THE EXTERIOR DOOR HANDLE REINFORCEMENT
Disconnect the exterior door handle actuating cable from the exterior door handle reinforcement. Pull and release the exterior door handle.
Does the exterior door handle operate correctly?
Yes | INSTALL a new exterior door handle cable. |
|---|---|
No | INSTALL a new exterior door handle reinforcement. REFER to: Exterior Front Door Handle Reinforcement (501-14 Handles, Locks, Latches and Entry Systems, Removal and Installation). |
A Door Is Difficult Or Does Not Open From The Interior Door Handle
Normal Operations and Fault Conditions
The interior door handle is connected to the door latch by an actuating cable. When the interior door handle is pulled, the cable pulls on the latch lever. When the latch lever moves, the door latch releases, allowing the door to open.
Possible Cause
Broken or binding cable/linkage Door latch
PINPOINT TEST C : A DOOR IS DIFFICULT OR DOES NOT OPEN FROM THE INTERIOR DOOR HANDLE
C1 CHECK THE LATCH OPERATION FROM BOTH DOOR HANDLES
Open the door using both the interior and exterior door handles.
Does the door open normally from one of the door handles?
Yes | If the door is difficult/does not open from only the interior door handle, GO to C2 If the door is difficult/does not open from only the exterior door handle, GO to Pinpoint Test B |
|---|---|
No | GO to Pinpoint Test A |
C2 CHECK THE INTERIOR DOOR HANDLE AND CABLE/LINKAGE OPERATION
Remove the door trim panel. Install the interior door handle back onto the release cable. Operate the interior door handle while observing the cable/linkage.
Are any of the interior door handle components or cable/linkages binding or broken?
Yes | REPAIR as necessary. |
|---|---|
No | INSTALL a new door latch. REFER to: Front Door Latch (501-14 Handles, Locks, Latches and Entry Systems, Removal and Installation). |
The Exterior Door Release Handle Sticks
Normal Operations and Fault Conditions
The exterior door handle is connected to the door latch with an actuating cable. When the exterior door handle is pulled, the actuating cable pulls on the latch lever. When the latch lever moves, the door latch releases, allowing the door to open. The handle has a return spring to make sure the handle returns to a closed position.
Possible Cause
Binding linkage Broken handle return spring Door latch
PINPOINT TEST D : THE EXTERIOR DOOR RELEASE HANDLE STICKS
D1 CHECK FOR A BROKEN RETURN SPRING
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