Pinpoint Test N: A Door Is Difficult/Does Not Open From The Exterior Door Handle

Locks, Latches and Entry Systems






Pinpoint Tests


Pinpoint Test N: A Door Is Difficult/Does Not Open From The Exterior Door Handle

Normal Operation

The exterior door handle is connected to the door latch with an actuating rod. When the exterior door handle is pulled it causes the actuating rod to push down on the latch lever. The actuating rod can be adjusted for proper exterior door handle operation. When the latch lever is moved, the door latch releases, allowing the door to open.

This pinpoint test is intended to diagnose the following:

- Broken or binding linkage
- Exterior door handle to latch rod adjustment
- Exterior door handle
- Door latch



PINPOINT TEST N: A DOOR IS DIFFICULT/DOES NOT OPEN FROM THE EXTERIOR DOOR HANDLE

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N1 CHECK THE LATCH OPERATION FROM BOTH DOOR HANDLES


- Open and close the door using both the interior and exterior door handles.
- Does the door open normally from one of the door handles?

Yes
If the door is difficult/does not open from only the exterior door handle, GO to N2.

No
If the door does not operate correctly from both door handles, Go To Pinpoint Test M. Pinpoint Test M: Hard To Open/Close Door From Either Door Handle

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N2 CHECK THE EXTERIOR DOOR HANDLE


- Remove the door trim panel.
- Open the clip and disconnect the exterior door handle actuating rod.




- Pull and release the exterior door handle.
- Does the exterior door handle operate correctly?

Yes
GO to N3.

No
INSTALL a new exterior door handle. REFER to Exterior Front Door Handle Exterior Front Door Handle or Exterior Door Handle - Side and Rear Exterior Door Handle - Side and Rear. TEST the system for normal operation.

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N3 CHECK THE EXTERIOR DOOR HANDLE AND LINKAGE OPERATION


- Operate the exterior door handle while observing the linkage.
- Are any of the exterior door handle components or linkages binding or broken?

Yes
REPAIR as necessary. TEST the system for normal operation.

No
GO to N4.

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N4 CARRY OUT THE EXTERIOR DOOR HANDLE ADJUSTMENT


- Carry out the exterior door handle to latch rod adjustment. Refer to Door Handle to Latch Rod Adjustment Adjustments.
- Does the exterior door handle operate correctly?

Yes
The concern was caused by an improperly adjusted exterior door handle.

No
INSTALL a new door latch. REFER to Front Door Latch Front Door Latch or Door Latch - Side and Rear, Single Latch Door Latch - Side and Rear, Single Latch. TEST the system for normal operation.

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