driver door handle stuck out doesn't retract

[fj45lvr]

Hello, I recently bought a 2017 PIU and the driver door handle doesn't retract or open the door...you can lock the door and open the door from the inside. is the handle supposed to retract by a spring that is missing on mine? I saw a post about a connector that is need for the handle to open the door but if that connector is missing I don't know if it keeps the handle out all the time? I will have to take off the interior cover. there is no key fob with the car I believe it is simply manual keys I have to either leave the window rolled down to reach in and use interior handle or reach over from passenger side to open the door from interior handle.

If the interior base plate breaks does that mean it never latches? Thanks for anyone who might know if this is a common problem and whether it is the exterior handle I need to buy replacement or something else.

 

[Steve8316]

You don't need to buy anything until you know what the problem is. It's relatively simple & quick to pop out the plastic plug on the back edge of the door, stick in a T25 (IIRC), back off the screw ~6 turns (or until the handle rear plate can be pulled out), and then pop the door handle out of the door.

 

[fj45lvr]

You don't need to buy anything until you know what the problem is. It's relatively simple & quick to pop out the plastic plug on the back edge of the door, stick in a T25 (IIRC), back off the screw ~6 turns (or until the handle rear plate can be pulled out), and then pop the door handle out of the door.

View attachment 464823

Thanks for the suggestion of the easy way to pull the handle out. I am not sure what I will be looking for after I get it removed. I haven't found any specific info on this issue with the exterior handle not opening the door and always stuck out. If there is a spring that is supposed to pull it back in is it inside the handle or inside the door? thanks for your suggestion. I have the explorer stored somewhere and will be able to go there this weekend to take a look.

 

[Steve8316]

I am not sure what I will be looking for...

Look for any difference between yours & what my pic shows.

...is it inside the handle or inside the door?

The handle is just a chunk of plastic, as my pic shows.

 

[peterk9]

Hello, I recently bought a 2017 PIU and the driver door handle doesn't retract or open the door.............................................

Welcome to the Forum.

Peter