Another "Door Won't Open" Thread

nickt5174 · #1 12-26-2018, 12:47 PM

Ok here we are again, so far i have been able to fix this a couple of times but i am starting to get annoyed. As soon as it gets cold the front drivers side door refuses to open. Now this has happened before I have been able to fix it but this time it seems like the latch that hold the door will not release. I can open the door just fine from the inside and the door lock works no problem. Last time the latch would not lock and keep the door closed. I was able to stick a wire through the top of the door and get it to work. I suppose I have no other choice but to remove the door panel and and lubricate the latch so it release or replace it all together.

If anybody has any pointers or experience to share please chime in.

wpoll · #2 12-26-2018, 02:04 PM

You might be able to get some spray lube on the mechanism via the small plastic plug used to access the door lock securing screw. That worked for me until I replaced the whole door handle carrier a couple of days ago.

Use a flexible spray straw and direct the lube straight down to the back of the latch mech. I use white lithium for tasks like this - although it doesn't get too cold here.

nickt5174 · #3 12-28-2018, 10:53 AM

Thanks for the tip, I'll give it a try and see how it works.

Emory39 · #4 12-28-2018, 12:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nickt5174

Ok here we are again, so far i have been able to fix this a couple of times but i am starting to get annoyed. As soon as it gets cold the front drivers side door refuses to open. Now this has happened before I have been able to fix it but this time it seems like the latch that hold the door will not release. I can open the door just fine from the inside and the door lock works no problem. Last time the latch would not lock and keep the door closed. I was able to stick a wire through the top of the door and get it to work. I suppose I have no other choice but to remove the door panel and and lubricate the latch so it release or replace it all together.

If anybody has any pointers or experience to share please chime in.

Does the outside handle feel spongy? It could be that it's broken.

nickt5174 · #5 12-30-2018, 11:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Emory39

Does the outside handle feel spongy? It could be that it's broken.

It feels spongy defiantly not broken just hung up

EODguy · #6 12-29-2018, 12:56 PM

Stop sticking a wire in there to open it (last resort only) use your key fob and hold the unlock button down until the windows lower (unless the roof is snow covered) this way you'll save messing up the window seal or the window.

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740ilDuke · #7 12-30-2018, 11:52 PM

I just greased the hell out of mine today. They all feel solid, luckily.

Fifty150hs · #8 12-31-2018, 12:44 AM

How old is your door handle carrier? Could be a "soft" failure before it fails all together.

nickt5174 · #9 12-31-2018, 12:51 AM

This x5 has 210,000 miles

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Fifty150hs · #10 12-31-2018, 01:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nickt5174

This x5 has 210,000 miles

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If the door handle carrier has never been replaced, you're overdue for a new one. It's a poor design and they are particularly prone to failure in cold/freezing weather. They're about $50 from FCP with a lifetime warranty. Lots of Youtube videos of how to do it.