Problems with Driver Side Door Handle

[hillre]

Good morning, Hope everyone is doing fine. Has anyone else on the forum had a prpoblem similar to this? If so, please advise! I'm having problems with my 1996 Grand Prix (3.1L 226000 miles) driver side door handle. It is getting where it doesn't want to open the door for some reason or another especially when it's very cold outside in the morning time (such as this morning it's frosty and 25 degrees in the Louisville KY area). It took me a while to get into the car on the driver's side. I reviewed some of the problems and comments that others on this forum has been having with their Grand Prix. Do I need to replace the door handle itself and or could I be having problems with the rod that attaches to whatever part that opens the door.? Or could it be some part need lubricating? The door opens perfectly from the inside. I would appreciate any assistance you could provide. The last thing i want to do is take it a dealer's body shop or any body shop. Thanks! Happy Holidays!

[mtrain]

Having the same problem. Any help?

[richtazz]

The two biggest problems with these cars is as follows.

Your problem is most likely the rod that runs from the handle to the latch. It has a couple of bends in it, and as they age they bend further than designed. This will not allow the rod to push the latch far enough to disengage it from the door post. You can remove the rod and straighten the bends back out, slightly lenghthening the rod so it pushes the latch far enough to release the latch.

The other problem is that the original door handles are made of pot metal, and will snap off if pulled on too hard (like if the door is froze shut). This is obvious, because the handle just flops and will not open the door.

[hillre]

Thanks! My door is now opening fine. I replaced the door handle and adjusted one of the rods that connects to the door handle.

The two biggest problems with these cars is as follows.

Your problem is most likely the rod that runs from the handle to the latch. It has a couple of bends in it, and as they age they bend further than designed. This will not allow the rod to push the latch far enough to disengage it from the door post. You can remove the rod and straighten the bends back out, slightly lenghthening the rod so it pushes the latch far enough to release the latch.

The other problem is that the original door handles are made of pot metal, and will snap off if pulled on too hard (like if the door is froze shut). This is obvious, because the handle just flops and will not open the door.[/quote]