[WYLDCTZ]

I know this has been covered, but I can't find via search:



The drivers side door isn't opening well. I have to press my knee into the door and kind of push it in a little or else the door handle release won't pop. I think I remember there being some adjustment I could make, or maybe just some piece to replace? And help would be appreciated...



Thanks!

Mark

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[Anchorman]

This sounds like the strike plate on the door jamb needs to be adjusted. I'm not near my car, but my recollection is that it's held in place with Allen bolts. I loosened them slightly, then closed the door to allow the door to position the strike plate. Then I opened the door carefully, really squeezing the handle lever so that it would released and open without moving the plate, tightened the plate, and everything's been fine since. You might also give the lock mechanism on the door a good cleaning. It's not easy to remove (blue loctite) and I stripped the head of one of the bolts in the process, so I wouldn't recommend removal unless absolutely necessary.

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[Ryan]

I second the good clean and lube. My handle on the outside was getting very hard to open. The travel of the finger-pull had to go to the max in order to relese. I took it apart thinking broken parts, but with a clean and lube the thing has been working well. I put new rubber gaskets on as well.

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[WYLDCTZ]

I did some investigation. I'm not sure if the strike plate adjusts? It didn't look like it but I didn't take it apart. But the problem seems to be the door mechanism.



If I open the door, then flip down the latch like the door has been closed, and use the handle to 'open' it, the latch sort of slides open really slowly. On the passenger side that works well it pops right open.

So definitely its the latch mechanism being screwy.



Do I need to take the door apart to clean it out, or just take off the mechanism from the side of the door?



Mark

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[Ryan]

You don't have to remove the door panel, just the 2 allen bolts on the door end.



Spray the crap out of it with liquid wrench and then maybe apply some grease with a thin rod. Hope it works. Grease striker as well.

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[Anchorman]

It's true that it's "...just the 2 allen bolts on the door end", the ones that go into the lock mechanism. However, BE CAREFUL. Those bolts are in with Loctite, and the heads can strip. If you get the mechanism off, soak it in a degreaser and then lube well. That should cure (most of?) your problem. The other place that gunks up is the return spring on the lever at the exterior door handle. Spraying with degreaser while operating the lever, and then lubricating while operating the lever, should help.

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