Pinpoint Test Q: A Door Is Difficult/Does Not Open From The Exterior Door Handle

Handles, Locks, Latches and Entry Systems

Pinpoint Test Q: A Door Is Difficult/Does Not Open From The Exterior Door Handle

Normal Operation

The exterior door handle is connected to the door latch with an actuating cable. When the exterior door handle is pulled it causes the cable to pull on the latch lever. When the latch lever is moved, the door latch releases, allowing the door to open.

This pinpoint test is intended to diagnose the following:

- Binding cable

- Exterior door handle reinforcement

- Door latch

PINPOINT TEST Q : A DOOR IS DIFFICULT/DOES NOT OPEN FROM THE EXTERIOR DOOR HANDLE

Q1 CHECK THE LATCH OPERATION FROM BOTH DOOR HANDLES

NOTE: The rear door interior door handle has to be pulled twice to unlock and unlatch.

- Open and close 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 exterior door handle, GO to Q2.

If the door is difficult/does not open from only the interior door handle, GO to Pinpoint Test R Pinpoint Test R: A Door Is Difficult/Does Not Open From The Interior Door Handle.

No
If the door does not operate correctly from both door handles, GO to Pinpoint Test P Pinpoint Test P: Hard To Open/Close Door From Either Door Handle.

Q2 CHECK THE EXTERIOR DOOR HANDLE AND CABLE OPERATION

- Disconnect the exterior door handle actuating cable from the door latch.

- Operate the exterior door handle while observing the linkage and cable.

Are any of the exterior door handle components or linkages binding or broken?

Yes
GO to Q3.

No
INSTALL a new door latch. REFER to Front Door Latch Removal and Replacement or Rear Door Latch Removal and Replacement. TEST the system for normal operation.

Q3 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. TEST the system for normal operation.

No
INSTALL a new exterior door handle reinforcement. REFER to Door Handle Reinforcement - Exterior, Front Door Handle Reinforcement - Exterior, Front or Door Handle Reinforcement - Exterior, Rear Door Handle Reinforcement - Exterior, Rear. TEST the system for normal operation.