Page 1 of 1

Winter door handle problem - again!

Posted: Thu Mar 01, 2018 9:46 am
by Dan1502
I've had this problem before but just want to check something before I talk to the dealer.

I went to open the driver's side door very carefully as I'm aware of the problem.  It opened but didn't feel normal so I thought there might be a problem.

When I went to close it I couldn't so resorted to holding it shut and pressing the central locking button.

It won't open from the inside now either.

I've got out of the other side and just hope I can open that to get back in later.

Anyway, is it likely to have broken (again) or just be frozen?  Before I start a warranty claim I thought I'd ask as I can't remember.

If it is broken although I have a warranty I feel a bit reluctant to pay the excess when this is a common and known problem.  I think last time they initially tried to argue it as being trim and not covered but I'm not having that.

What's most annoying about this is it happens just as I am able to make use of the winter tyres and 4wd.  The last thing I want to be doing is taking it to the garage or to no be able to safely drive it.

Re: Winter door handle problem - again!

Posted: Thu Mar 01, 2018 10:39 am
by snrbrtsn
I would suggest the lock internal is frozen
I have similar problems, more worrying when the car initially moves, I have to turn out the drive and the door swings open and car goes into park all of a sudden!
Open the door and get some squirty lubricant spray into the latch, I’ve not had issues since
However
Your car may be different but worth a try!

Re: Winter door handle problem - again!

Posted: Thu Mar 01, 2018 10:47 am
by acarty
I've had this problem before and have even resorted going through the boot when I have needed to get somewhere on time  :))

Usually it is just the lock mechanism that is frozen, give it 20 mins of the car running and it should defrost. I need to take the door card off and spray the mechanism with a silicon lubricant, should displace the water/condensate building up around the lock/cables which is then freezing over night.

As above, I've also pulled off the drive only for my door to swing open and the car to slam itself into park  :))

Re: Winter door handle problem - again!

Posted: Thu Mar 01, 2018 3:14 pm
by Dan1502
Thanks.  Panic over.  It's thawed out and now works.  I was worrying as I know they have a tendency to break (which is why I'm very gentle with them in the cold).

Re: Winter door handle problem - again!

Posted: Sat Mar 03, 2018 6:04 pm
by themoog
The wifes car driver door always freezes internally. I can open the door but it wont stay closed. I get the heat gun on it for 5 min to defrost it. When its warmer ill take the door panel off and lube all the latch inside.