1997 Taurus Door handle sticking open

The lift-up door handle on the passenger side of my 97 Taurus is staying in the up position after use. Unless you notice it, and push the handle back in place, the door does not latch and flies open as you turn the first corner.
I think I should fix this soon!
Any suggestions before I drive into a dealership?

Spray wd40 on the door latch and pin and try to get some where the handle goes thru the door. Open /close the door several times. Sometimes the latch gets gunked up. Could also be a broken spring in the handle. Buckle up!

Thx. Tried WD40 through and around spaces under lifted door handle, with multiple moving up and down of the handle, with no change. Also sprayed door latch mechanism, with no effect after multiple door openings/closings. Any easy way to check the spring? Is the door panel removal the next step?

You are on the right track. Look at the linkage first to see if it is binding anywhere. If not, the handle is held in place by two rivets ot two nuts. These need drilled out or removed and a new handle assembly installed. It is a DIY project.

Yes you will have to remove the door panel to gain access.