Pinpoint Test

CHECK THE LATCH OPERATION FROM THE INTERIOR DOOR HANDLE
1. Open the door using the interior door handle.
Does the door open normally from the interior door handle?
- Yes: GO to 2 .
- No: REFER to Diagnostic Routine P: Hard To Open Or Close a Door From Either Door Handle .
CHECK THE EXTERIOR DOOR HANDLE REINFORCEMENT
1. Remove the door trim panel. REFER to DOOR TRIM PANEL - FRONT , or DOOR TRIM PANEL - REAR .
2. Open the clip and disconnect the exterior door handle actuating rod.
  
  Fig 1: Disconnecting Exterior Door Handle Actuating Rod
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
3. Pull and release the exterior door handle.
Does the exterior door handle operate correctly?
- Yes: GO to 3 .
- No: INSTALL a new exterior door handle reinforcement. REFER to Door Handle Reinforcement - Exterior, Front , or REFER to Door Handle Reinforcement - Exterior, Rear .
CHECK THE EXTERIOR DOOR HANDLE AND LINKAGE OPERATION
1. 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.
- No: INSTALL a new door latch. REFER to Front Door Latch , or REFER to Rear Door Latch .