Body - Outside Door Handles Inoperative/Frozen
SI M 51 02 04Body Equipment
January 2005
Technical Service
SUBJECT
Outer Door Handles Freeze
MODEL
R50 (MINI Cooper) and R53 (MINI Cooper S)
SITUATION
Customers may complain of one or both outer door releases failing to operate in freezing weather. This usually occurs afier a period of heavy rain followed by a sudden, hard freeze.
CAUSE
Water may enter inside the bowden cable connecting the outer door handle to the latch assembly. If the temperature drops below freezing before the water dries out, the water may freeze - preventing movement of the inner cable.
CORRECTION
The outer door handles were improved in April 2004. Please see the illustrations below on how to recognize the improved outer door handles.
PROCEDURE
In the event of a customer complaint, replace both lefi and right outer door handles with the improved parts by following the Repair Instruction 51 21 170.
PARTS INFORMATION
WARRANTY INFORMATION
Covered under the terms of the MINI New Vehicle Limited Warranty.