Driver/Passenger Front/Rear Door May Be Difficult to Open from Exterior Door Handle (Adjust Exterior Door Handle Rod)

Some customers may comment that the driver or passenger front and/or rear door is difficult to open from the exterior handle.

This may be caused by the exterior door handle rod being out of adjustment.

Adjust the exterior door handle rod using the steps below:

1. Remove the interior trim door panel. Refer to Front Side Door or Rear Side Door Trim Panel Replacement in SI.
2. Remove the water deflector. Refer to Front Side Door or Rear Side Door Water Deflector Replacement in SI.
3. Remove the front side door window rear channel retainer to gain access to the lock assembly (front doors only).



4. Unclip the exterior door handle rod and adjust it so that it is flush with the clip.
5. Install the front side door window rear channel retainer.

Tighten
Tighten the two retaining nuts to 9 N·m (80 lb in).

6. Install the water deflector. Refer to Front Side Door or Rear Side Door Water Deflector Replacement in SI.
7. Install the interior trim door panel. Refer to Front Side Door or Rear Side Door Trim Panel Replacement in SI.

For vehicles repaired under warranty, use: