Door latch / handle issue.

[rashwor]

Looking for some insight into a problem. My exterior driver's door handle will only open the door after several pulls. I do have power locks and the lock is unlocked (up) before pulling on the door handle. The interior door handle will open the door as it should every time.



Is this a handle or door latch issue? What parts do I need to order?



Any help greatly appreciated. TIA.

 

[rashwor]

Nobody has had this issue?

 

[VLopresti]

I had a similiar issue just over a year ago on my 2004. 5, but wasn't able to open the driver's side door at all using the exterior latch. I had found the following post (see attached) which led me to replace the door latch mechanism - 55372851-AA ($64. 00 through the local dealership).



https://www.turbodieselregister.com/forums/3rd-generation-ram-forum-no-engine-transmission-discussions/214493-right-front-door-won-t-release.html

 

[rashwor]

Thanks. I looked at the thread. I replaced the latch mechanism about 3 years ago for a similar but not exact same problem. I will let you know what I find.



The last time the symptoms were that the exterior door handle would not open the door. When I pressed the unlock button on the keyless remote, the lock would pop up in the door and go right back down so it was staying locked locked and the exterior door handle was staying disengaged. This time the lock stays up and you can pull and release the exterior door handle 2 to 8 times and it will eventually catch and release the latch.



On a side note, I was thinking last week before this happened that it was about time for it to go out again!:-laf



Also, I learned that my arm is just long enough to reach from the left rear door to the left front door handle and open the driver's door from the inside. At least I can avoid having to crawl in from the passenger side like last time.