Inside rear door handle problem- Anyone else?

[Shane T]

When I bought my 2002 Trac, I got it home and noticed that one of the inside rear door handles wouldn't open the door. I took the door apart, and looked to see what was wrong with the handle, and basically, the problem is that the handle is cheaply made. It's all plastic, and the little groove that opens the latch wore out and isn't strong enough to open the door latch. It just "slips", and stays in the open posistion, but doesn't operate the opening lever.

I put off getting it replaced by warranty until I went over the miles, so I bought a new handle from the dealership for like $12..No big deal..

Now, the opposite side handle is doing the same thing. It still operates the opening lever, but I have to pull the handle ALL the way out for it to open the door. So I'm guessing that one will stop working soon too.

Anyone else had this problem? Any known recalls for it?

 

[Kevin Palmer]

Just about everyone else... LOL

It is a common fault. The replacement handles from Ford are built a little better then the original OEM handles.



I have had two Tracs and never had on fail. Just lucky I guess.



But many have had to replace the handles.

 

[Jon W9]

Is there a project for this? I am tired of letting my Mother-in-Law out everytime we go someplace...

 

[Kevin Palmer]

Here you go...

 

[Yardsale]

Divorce ... (Sorry.)

 

[Kevin Palmer]

The handle project HAS to be cheaper than a divorce....

 

[Tabjo]

My Ford dealership keeps plenty on hand as they said these are prone to frequent replacement at their shop. Cost should be around $14 and a fairly easy replacement especially with Mark's project. Good luck.

 

[Glenn Brown]

My problem is the opposite! The outside drivers side door handle has way to much slack! Have to lift the handle all the way before it opens.......I took the door panel off and looked...looks like the handle is riveted in place? I tried bending the rod that is connected to the handle......but that is tough to do and didn't move much. Any ideas?:angry:

 

[M B]

My hubby just replaced the back driver's side one last weekend. Pretty easy from what I watched.

 

[Ed Miles]

my back doors won't open when locked due to the childproof lock feature. Moving the lever on the door (as shown in the instructions) will not disable this feature. My dealer said they have seen this several times.

 

[Jon W9]

Is there a specific part number I can order from the dealership? Thanks.

 

[Tabjo]

Driver side release handle: 3L2Z-7821818-AAA



Not sure what the passenger side one is.



***EDIT: Sorry, the above part # is for the passenger side handle.

 

[Jim Johnson]

WooDY said:



<I>"I am tired of letting my Mother-in-Law out everytime we go someplace..."</I>



LOL! I have exactly the same problem. My mother-in-law usually sits in the rear passenger side seat, and that's the door that doesn't open from the inside.



Glad to know there's an easy fix, though.