PINTO CAR CLUB of AMERICA

Welcome to FordPinto.com, The home of the PCCA => Pinto FAQ => Topic started by: Starliner on November 05, 2011, 05:25:55 PM

Title: Does your outside door handle button stick and not release ?? Easy fix...
Post by: Starliner on November 05, 2011, 05:25:55 PM

My outside door handle button started sticking and would not release.   I had to tap on the door handle to get it to release.
 
It was an easy fix. 
Go buy a spray can of white lithium grease that comes with a spray tube.  (I like CRC)
 
Open the door and leave it open.
Unsnap the side of the inside door panel on the side towards the door handle.  Also unclip one on the top and on the bottom.     Be careful doing this so you dont' rip the cardboard of the door panel from the clips.    This should allow the door panel to be pulled back a little bit.
 
Roll up the window.
Pull back the door panel a little and place a flashlight inside the door pointing up so you will be able to view the door handle assembly.
 
Shake the can of the white lithium grease and install the spray tube.
Do a test spray in your trash can. 

Now lay on the ground looking up into your door while pulling the door panel back a little.
You will see the door lock/latching system. 
Aim the spray nozzle to spray that lever that is located above the push button.    Put the white lithium grease on heavy.
Push the button to see if it's fixed.  I am sure it is. 
Push the button in multiple times to work some grease into the pivots.  Spray it again. 
 
Now remove the flashlight and re-attach the door panel.  Make sure the door panel clips are partially started into the holes of the door before you pound on them.
 
Done!
 
 
 
 

Title: Re: Does your outside door handle button stick and not release ?? Easy fix...
Post by: blupinto on November 08, 2011, 07:02:38 PM

AAACK!!! NOW you tell me!!! lol ::)

I did indeed have a sticky door handle button... except to release the darn button I had to give the door a good POUND with my fist. (No there are no door dings for all my abuse! lol).  Except for not using lithium grease (I used a normal WD-40 like lubricant) I did what you said. No more sticky door!  ;D

Title: Re: Does your outside door handle button stick and not release ?? Easy fix...
Post by: Starliner on November 11, 2011, 10:09:33 AM

I used white lithium because I have found WD40 does not last very long for me.

Title: Re: Does your outside door handle button stick and not release ?? Easy fix...
Post by: dieseldave4443 on November 16, 2011, 09:28:43 AM

I will definetly try it! There's no need to use that funky little panel removing tool? Bit apprehensive to since parts seem scarce?

Title: Re: Does your outside door handle button stick and not release ?? Easy fix...
Post by: dave1987 on November 16, 2011, 11:25:35 AM

I use a door panel removal tool like this one (Matco brand but still the same design):

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_SPM5785114201P?i_cntr=1321464270500

It's wide enough to grab enough panel so as not to tear anything, and ridged enough to pop out the clip the first try.