Body - Exterior Door Handles Difficult To Open

Bulletin No: 09-001/10

Last Issued: 01/07/2010

Subject:
EXTERIOR DOOR HANDLE DIFFICULT TO OPEN

APPLICABLE MODEL(S)/VINS
2008-2010 Tribute built on or before 09/01/2009

DESCRIPTION





Some vehicles may exhibit an exterior door handle that is difficult to open, does not sit flush when released, and/or sticks when opening door. This may be due to the exterior door handle plunger (1) binding on the door handle cover (2).

Customers having this concern should have their vehicle repaired using the following repair procedure.

REPAIR PROCEDURE

1. Verify customer concern.

2. Remove the exterior door handle and cover on affected door(s) per MS3 online or Workshop Manual (section 09-14 EXTERIOR FRONT DOOR HANDLE REMOVAL/INSTALLATION) or (section 09-14 EXTERIOR REAR DOOR HANDLE REMOVAL/INSTALLATION).





3. Closely examine the exterior door handle cover for signs of damage; inspect for a groove worn into the cover (A) due to contact with the door handle plunger. Is any damage present?

a. No - Do not continue with this procedure and follow MS3 online or Workshop Manual (section 09-14 FRONT DOOR HANDLES, LOCKS AND LATCHES - EXPLODED VIEW) or (section 09-14 REAR DOOR HANDLES, LOCKS AND LATCHES - EXPLODED VIEW).

b. Yes - Replace exterior door handle and cover with revised parts as necessary following MS3 online or Workshop Manual (section 09-14 EXTERIOR FRONT DOOR HANDLE REMOVAL/INSTALLATION) or (section 09-14 EXTERIOR REAR DOOR HANDLE REMOVAL/INSTALLATION).

4. Verify repair.





PART(S) INFORMATION





WARRANTY INFORMATION

NOTE:
^ This warranty information applies only to verified customer complaints on vehicles eligible for warranty repair.

^ This repair will be covered under Mazda's New Vehicle Limited Warranty term.

^ Additional diagnostic time cannot be claimed for this repair.

^ Front and rear cannot be submitted on the same problem number. Please submit as separate problem numbers.