I am having some trouble with my driver side door handle. Hopefully someone may have some advice for me. My exterior door handle will not open the door! I have pulled the door panel off thinking I may be able to make some adjustment, but what I found is the rod from the handle is not going far enough down to push the lock lever open. I was trying to fit the gap with a spacer, but that seems like it is not working. If anyone has any ideas, or ways to fix my problem .....Please Help!

Thanks,
-Josh

 

Do a search on door handle and my username - I've done a big writeup on it. Basically you're probably gonna need a new door handle - there's really no adjustment to be done, the handle itself fatigues and wears out. Lubricating the handle once a year or so will help keep the handle healthier far longer.

Ray at Malloy Mazda can get you a good price on the handle - 888-533-3400. They're not cheap, though - like $180. But, it's VERY worth it as that's something you use every day on the car .

Dale