Drivers outside door handle barely opens door.

[Blink.]

I have an 05 sportrac....when using my outside drivers door handle I noticed I had to pull it up further to open the door, now it only works on 1 out of 3 pulls up and will only unlatch the door when it's pulled all the way up to the limit of travel...

Just seeing if anyone else has had this problem before I pull the panel off and start throwing parts at it.

 

[swshawaii]

Removing the door panel is required to inspect and diagnose. These trucks have very common issues with door latches, actuator lock motors, and handle failures. Here's a couple posts to familiarize yourself with the "puzzle". Two important things to start with are leaving the window all the way up and removing the single bolt and electrical connectors for the rear glass run channel for visibility and access. Lot's of experience on this forum repairing malfunctioning doors, just ask.

How To: Drivers Exterior Door Handle Replacement
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=165081

door latch problem solved - temporarily maybe??
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=207373

 

[Blink.]

Thanks, I read those threads before I signed up. One thing is my handle isn't loose or anything, it has resistance when you pull and springs right back just as normal, just doesn't engage the latch till the very end of the pull.....ugh guess I'll have to pull it apart to look, was hoping someone knew which part wore out.

Edit: the lock also works fine.

 

[swshawaii]

Make sure the latch is moving freely and lubricated. my bet's on a binding linkage or broken yellow clip.
Power locks OK? I've replaced two front latches and three actuators in two years. Keep us posted. GL

EDIT- Hopefully you won't need to remove panels as often as I have,
but here's a great source for overpriced clips sold in auto parts stores.

http://www.clipsandfasteners.com/Door_Panel_Retainers_Clips_Ford_p/pas1558-25.htm

 

[Blink.]

Make sure the latch is moving freely and lubricated. my bet's on a binding linkage or broken yellow clip.
Power locks OK? I've replaced two front latches and three actuators in two years. Keep us posted. GL

EDIT- Hopefully you won't need to remove panels as often as I have,
but here's a great source for overpriced clips sold in auto parts stores.

http://www.clipsandfasteners.com/Door_Panel_Retainers_Clips_Ford_p/pas1558-25.htm

Good Idea on checking the latch, I'll do that first since it's easiest... Power locks work great, thanks for the link in case I need to buy replacements.

 

[Blink.]

Messed with the latch...lubed it up and door works like new again.

 

[swshawaii]

Great to hear! Nothing better than a fix that costs next to nothing and a few minutes of your time.

Not a bad idea to lube ALL the latches and lock cylinders including the tailgate, now that you know.