Please help. The inside and outside door handles are breaking on my wifes 2002 Ford Escape and we can't open the doors. The drivers door and the left rear door handles are broke and won't open, and the others are starting to get play in them. I need to know how to get the door open to pull the panel off and fix. I need ideas.
Need help with a 2002 ford escape!!
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gunslinger
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Have you tried unlocking the doors before yanking on the handles?
Sorry, couldn't resist.
You'll need to remove the panels with the doors closed. There is a TSB for door latch replacement. Call your local Ford dealer to see if they can do anything for you. If not, here's the procedure from the TSB.
REMOVAL
WARNING ALWAYS WEAR SAFETY GLASSES WHEN REPAIRING AN AIR BAG SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM (SRS) VEHICLE AND WHEN HANDLING AN AIR BAG MODULE. THIS WILL REDUCE THE RISK OF INJURY IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENTAL DEPLOYMENT.
WARNING TO AVOID ACCIDENTAL DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY, THE BACKUP POWER SUPPLY MUST BE DEPLETED BEFORE REPAIRING OR REPLACING ANY FRONT OR SIDE AIR BAG SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM (SRS) COMPONENTS AND BEFORE SERVICING, REPLACING, ADJUSTING OR STRIKING COMPONENTS NEAR THE FRONT OR SIDE AIR BAG SENSORS, SUCH AS DOORS, INSTRUMENT PANEL, CONSOLE, DOOR LATCHES, STRIKERS, SEATS AND HOOD LATCHES.
NOTE TO DEPLETE THE BACKUP POWER SUPPLY ENERGY, DISCONNECT THE BATTERY GROUND CABLE AND WAIT AT LEAST ONE MINUTE. BE SURE TO DISCONNECT AUXILIARY BATTERIES AND POWER SUPPLIES (IF EQUIPPED).
NOTE RESTRAINT SYSTEM DIAGNOSTIC TOOLS MUST BE INSTALLED UNDER THE SEATS IN THE SIDE AIR BAG TO FLOOR CONNECTOR.
WARNING THE RESTRAINT SYSTEM DIAGNOSTIC TOOL IS FOR RESTRAINT SYSTEM SERVICE ONLY. REMOVE FROM VEHICLE PRIOR TO ROAD USE. FAILURE TO REMOVE COULD RESULT IN INJURY AND POSSIBLE VIOLATION OF VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARDS.
ALL VEHICLES
NOTE VEHICLE NEEDS TO BE ACCESSED FROM AN ALTERNATE DOOR TO BEGIN PROCEDURE.
1. Move the front seat(s) to center position and the affected door glass completely down.
2. Disconnect the battery ground cable and wait at least one minute. For additional information, refer to section 414-01: Battery, Mounting and Cables General Procedures "Battery Disconnect".
3. Lower the glove compartment by depressing the locking tabs, and disconnect the passenger air bag module electrical connector and connect the special tool (# 418-F468) to the instrument panel harness side of the passenger air bag module electrical connector.
4. Lower the driver air bag connector access cover on steering wheel and disconnect the driver air bag module electrical connector. Connect the special tool (# 418-F468) to the steering column harness side of the driver air bag module electrical connector.
Vehicles equipped with side air bags:
5. Disconnect the passenger seat side air bag module electrical connector located under seat and connect the special tool (# 418-F468) to the passenger seat side air bag module body harness electrical connector.
All vehicles:
6. Disconnect the passenger seat safety belt pretensioner electrical connector located under seat and connect the special tool (# 418-F470) to the passenger seat safety' belt pretensioner body harness electrical connector.
7. Disconnect the driver seat safety belt pretensioner electrical connector located under seat and connect the special tool (# 418-F470) to the driver seat safety belt pretensioner body harness electrical connector.
Vehicles equipped with side air bags:
8. Disconnect the driver seat side air bag module electrical connector located under seat and connect the special tool (# 418-F468) to the driver seat side air bag module body harness electrical connector.
All vehicles:
9. Connect the battery ground cable.
10. Remove the front seat rear seat-track to floor nuts.
CAUTION USE CARE WHEN HANDLING THE SEAT AND TRACK ASSEMBLY. DROPPING THE ASSEMBLY OR SITTING ON A SEAT NOT SECURED IN THE VEHICLE MAY RESULT IN DAMAGED COMPONENTS.
11. Remove the front seat, front seat-track to floor bolts and remove the seat.
12. Remove the safety belt D-ring cover(s) and bolt(s).
13. Position the front and rear door weatherstrips aside and remove the upper B-pillar trim panel(s).
14. Remove the front and rear door scuff plate trim panel(s).
^ Remove the pin-type retainers
^ Remove the front door scuff plate trim panel(s)
15. Remove lower B-pillar trim to gain access to screw that is horizontal in door panel and remove screw (Figure 1).
NOTE ONE SCREW AT TOP FRONT CORNER OF DOOR PANEL, WHICH TOUCHES DASH, CANNOT BE REMOVED UNTIL DOOR IS OPEN.
16. Remove the screw from front door latch release handle bezel and remove bezel.
17. Remove door handle cup screw.
CAUTION DO NOT TO SCRATCH DOOR WHEN POSITIONING ASIDE DOOR PANEL.
CAUTION MOVING DOOR PANEL ASIDE MORE THAN 6 INCHES WILL CAUSE DOOR PANEL TO CREASE OR BREAK.
18. To gain access to latch area, peel back water shield and position aside.
NOTE TO PREVENT DAMAGING DOOR WHEN ACCESSING LATCH, PROTECT WITH FENDER COVER.
NOTE IF LEVER WILL NOT MOVE FREELY, CYCLE THE DOOR LOCK BUTTON AND HANDLE TO FREE LEVER.
19. From outside vehicle, reach in with a small screwdriver, insert screwdriver into latch assembly at outside base of electrical connector below metal actuating lever and pry up (Figure 2, passenger front door shown, all doors similar).
CAUTION WHEN OPENING DOOR BE CAREFUL NOT TO DAMAGE DOOR PANEL.
20. Open door, and move glass to the up position.
21. Remove last screw and remove and the door trim panel.
22. Remove front door latch. For additional information refer to section 501-14: Handles, Locks, Latches and Entry Systems Removal and Installation.
INSTALLATION
All vehicles:
Install new latch. For additional information refer to section 501-14: Handles, Locks, Latches and Entry Systems "Front Door Latch Removal and Installation."
1. Install B-pillar trim panel. For additional information refer to section 501-05: Interior Trim and Ornamentation "B-pillar Trim Panel Removal and Installation."
2. Install door trim panel. For additional information refer to section 501-05: Interior Trim and Ornamentation "Front Door Trim Panel Removal and Installation."
3. Install the seat(s) and install the seat track to floor bolts and torque to 48 N.m (35 Lb-ft).
4. Install the rear seat track to floor nuts and torque to 48 N.m (35 Lb-ft).
5. Disconnect the battery ground cable and wait at least one minute. For additional information, refer to section 414-01: Battery, Mounting and Cables General Procedures "Battery Disconnect".
Vehicles equipped with side air bags:
6. Remove the special tool from the passenger seat side air bag module body harness electrical connector and connect the passenger seat side air bag module electrical connector.
All vehicles:
7. Remove the special tool from the passenger seat safety belt pretensioner body harness electrical connector and connect the passenger seat safety belt pretensioner electrical connector.
8. Remove the special tool from the driver seat safety belt pretensioner body harness electrical connector and connect the driver seat safety belt pretensioner electrical connector.
Vehicles equipped with air bags:
9. Remove the special tool from the driver seat side air bag module body harness electrical connector and connect the driver seat side air bag module electrical connector.
All vehicles:
10. Remove the special tool from the steering column harness side of the driver air bag module electrical connector and connect the driver air bag module electrical connector. Install the driver air bag connector access cover.
11. Remove the special tool from the instrument panel harness side of the passenger air bag module electrical connector and connect the passenger air bag module electrical connector. Close the glove compartment.
12. Connect the battery ground cable. For additional information, refer to section 414-01:
Battery, Mounting and Cables General Procedures "Battery Disconnect".
13.. Prove out the air bag system. For additional information, refer to section 501-20B: Occupant Restraints - Passive - Supplemental Air Bag System Diagnosis and Testing.
14. Check the restraint system for correct operation.
Sorry, couldn't resist.
You'll need to remove the panels with the doors closed. There is a TSB for door latch replacement. Call your local Ford dealer to see if they can do anything for you. If not, here's the procedure from the TSB.
REMOVAL
WARNING ALWAYS WEAR SAFETY GLASSES WHEN REPAIRING AN AIR BAG SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM (SRS) VEHICLE AND WHEN HANDLING AN AIR BAG MODULE. THIS WILL REDUCE THE RISK OF INJURY IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENTAL DEPLOYMENT.
WARNING TO AVOID ACCIDENTAL DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY, THE BACKUP POWER SUPPLY MUST BE DEPLETED BEFORE REPAIRING OR REPLACING ANY FRONT OR SIDE AIR BAG SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM (SRS) COMPONENTS AND BEFORE SERVICING, REPLACING, ADJUSTING OR STRIKING COMPONENTS NEAR THE FRONT OR SIDE AIR BAG SENSORS, SUCH AS DOORS, INSTRUMENT PANEL, CONSOLE, DOOR LATCHES, STRIKERS, SEATS AND HOOD LATCHES.
NOTE TO DEPLETE THE BACKUP POWER SUPPLY ENERGY, DISCONNECT THE BATTERY GROUND CABLE AND WAIT AT LEAST ONE MINUTE. BE SURE TO DISCONNECT AUXILIARY BATTERIES AND POWER SUPPLIES (IF EQUIPPED).
NOTE RESTRAINT SYSTEM DIAGNOSTIC TOOLS MUST BE INSTALLED UNDER THE SEATS IN THE SIDE AIR BAG TO FLOOR CONNECTOR.
WARNING THE RESTRAINT SYSTEM DIAGNOSTIC TOOL IS FOR RESTRAINT SYSTEM SERVICE ONLY. REMOVE FROM VEHICLE PRIOR TO ROAD USE. FAILURE TO REMOVE COULD RESULT IN INJURY AND POSSIBLE VIOLATION OF VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARDS.
ALL VEHICLES
NOTE VEHICLE NEEDS TO BE ACCESSED FROM AN ALTERNATE DOOR TO BEGIN PROCEDURE.
1. Move the front seat(s) to center position and the affected door glass completely down.
2. Disconnect the battery ground cable and wait at least one minute. For additional information, refer to section 414-01: Battery, Mounting and Cables General Procedures "Battery Disconnect".
3. Lower the glove compartment by depressing the locking tabs, and disconnect the passenger air bag module electrical connector and connect the special tool (# 418-F468) to the instrument panel harness side of the passenger air bag module electrical connector.
4. Lower the driver air bag connector access cover on steering wheel and disconnect the driver air bag module electrical connector. Connect the special tool (# 418-F468) to the steering column harness side of the driver air bag module electrical connector.
Vehicles equipped with side air bags:
5. Disconnect the passenger seat side air bag module electrical connector located under seat and connect the special tool (# 418-F468) to the passenger seat side air bag module body harness electrical connector.
All vehicles:
6. Disconnect the passenger seat safety belt pretensioner electrical connector located under seat and connect the special tool (# 418-F470) to the passenger seat safety' belt pretensioner body harness electrical connector.
7. Disconnect the driver seat safety belt pretensioner electrical connector located under seat and connect the special tool (# 418-F470) to the driver seat safety belt pretensioner body harness electrical connector.
Vehicles equipped with side air bags:
8. Disconnect the driver seat side air bag module electrical connector located under seat and connect the special tool (# 418-F468) to the driver seat side air bag module body harness electrical connector.
All vehicles:
9. Connect the battery ground cable.
10. Remove the front seat rear seat-track to floor nuts.
CAUTION USE CARE WHEN HANDLING THE SEAT AND TRACK ASSEMBLY. DROPPING THE ASSEMBLY OR SITTING ON A SEAT NOT SECURED IN THE VEHICLE MAY RESULT IN DAMAGED COMPONENTS.
11. Remove the front seat, front seat-track to floor bolts and remove the seat.
12. Remove the safety belt D-ring cover(s) and bolt(s).
13. Position the front and rear door weatherstrips aside and remove the upper B-pillar trim panel(s).
14. Remove the front and rear door scuff plate trim panel(s).
^ Remove the pin-type retainers
^ Remove the front door scuff plate trim panel(s)
15. Remove lower B-pillar trim to gain access to screw that is horizontal in door panel and remove screw (Figure 1).
NOTE ONE SCREW AT TOP FRONT CORNER OF DOOR PANEL, WHICH TOUCHES DASH, CANNOT BE REMOVED UNTIL DOOR IS OPEN.
16. Remove the screw from front door latch release handle bezel and remove bezel.
17. Remove door handle cup screw.
CAUTION DO NOT TO SCRATCH DOOR WHEN POSITIONING ASIDE DOOR PANEL.
CAUTION MOVING DOOR PANEL ASIDE MORE THAN 6 INCHES WILL CAUSE DOOR PANEL TO CREASE OR BREAK.
18. To gain access to latch area, peel back water shield and position aside.
NOTE TO PREVENT DAMAGING DOOR WHEN ACCESSING LATCH, PROTECT WITH FENDER COVER.
NOTE IF LEVER WILL NOT MOVE FREELY, CYCLE THE DOOR LOCK BUTTON AND HANDLE TO FREE LEVER.
19. From outside vehicle, reach in with a small screwdriver, insert screwdriver into latch assembly at outside base of electrical connector below metal actuating lever and pry up (Figure 2, passenger front door shown, all doors similar).
CAUTION WHEN OPENING DOOR BE CAREFUL NOT TO DAMAGE DOOR PANEL.
20. Open door, and move glass to the up position.
21. Remove last screw and remove and the door trim panel.
22. Remove front door latch. For additional information refer to section 501-14: Handles, Locks, Latches and Entry Systems Removal and Installation.
INSTALLATION
All vehicles:
Install new latch. For additional information refer to section 501-14: Handles, Locks, Latches and Entry Systems "Front Door Latch Removal and Installation."
1. Install B-pillar trim panel. For additional information refer to section 501-05: Interior Trim and Ornamentation "B-pillar Trim Panel Removal and Installation."
2. Install door trim panel. For additional information refer to section 501-05: Interior Trim and Ornamentation "Front Door Trim Panel Removal and Installation."
3. Install the seat(s) and install the seat track to floor bolts and torque to 48 N.m (35 Lb-ft).
4. Install the rear seat track to floor nuts and torque to 48 N.m (35 Lb-ft).
5. Disconnect the battery ground cable and wait at least one minute. For additional information, refer to section 414-01: Battery, Mounting and Cables General Procedures "Battery Disconnect".
Vehicles equipped with side air bags:
6. Remove the special tool from the passenger seat side air bag module body harness electrical connector and connect the passenger seat side air bag module electrical connector.
All vehicles:
7. Remove the special tool from the passenger seat safety belt pretensioner body harness electrical connector and connect the passenger seat safety belt pretensioner electrical connector.
8. Remove the special tool from the driver seat safety belt pretensioner body harness electrical connector and connect the driver seat safety belt pretensioner electrical connector.
Vehicles equipped with air bags:
9. Remove the special tool from the driver seat side air bag module body harness electrical connector and connect the driver seat side air bag module electrical connector.
All vehicles:
10. Remove the special tool from the steering column harness side of the driver air bag module electrical connector and connect the driver air bag module electrical connector. Install the driver air bag connector access cover.
11. Remove the special tool from the instrument panel harness side of the passenger air bag module electrical connector and connect the passenger air bag module electrical connector. Close the glove compartment.
12. Connect the battery ground cable. For additional information, refer to section 414-01:
Battery, Mounting and Cables General Procedures "Battery Disconnect".
13.. Prove out the air bag system. For additional information, refer to section 501-20B: Occupant Restraints - Passive - Supplemental Air Bag System Diagnosis and Testing.
14. Check the restraint system for correct operation.
Thanks for the help I called Ford and they said there was now recall on it and wasn't interested in talking about it either. So it looks like I will be doing it. What is the special tool they are talking about? DO I have to unplug the airbags? TIA
gunslinger
Member
- Joined
- Nov 21, 2005
- Messages
- 1,191
The special tool is Ford part number 418-F468. It is an air bag simulator. It allows the air bag module stay active without setting a code, or possibly firing the bags. The only reason they have you use this tool is because the battery needs to be connected to power the windows up and down. If you have the seats (side airbags, and seat belt squibs) out, you'll be raising hell with the air bag module.
I would probably just disconnect the battery, and use an external power source to run the window up and down after the door panels are removed.
The problem is in the latch. A slim-jim probably wont get you anywhere. You need to remove the door panels, and manually move the latch.
The most common problem I see is that the lock mechanism in the latch gets stuck half way. You can't lock, or unlock it, or open the door without going in there and moving it by hand.
I would probably just disconnect the battery, and use an external power source to run the window up and down after the door panels are removed.
The problem is in the latch. A slim-jim probably wont get you anywhere. You need to remove the door panels, and manually move the latch.
The most common problem I see is that the lock mechanism in the latch gets stuck half way. You can't lock, or unlock it, or open the door without going in there and moving it by hand.
gunslinger
Member
- Joined
- Nov 21, 2005
- Messages
- 1,191
Emailed you a picture.
- Joined
- Dec 7, 2002
- Messages
- 13,071
I would drive to the Ford dealer and tell them to fix it.
gunslinger
Member
- Joined
- Nov 21, 2005
- Messages
- 1,191
Yes. The most common thing I've found is the lock sticks on the latch. I could be wrong about your car, but the latch is the most common.
Ty is right. If there is a current recall, take it to Ford, and let them handle it. Ask them for a loaner car too.
I have already checked and there is no recall on it. From what I can tell they want $400-$800 to fix. My wife and I are both out of work and it's money we don't have.
So you don't think there is any thing I have to buy to fix this. TIA
So you don't think there is any thing I have to buy to fix this. TIA
gunslinger
Member
- Joined
- Nov 21, 2005
- Messages
- 1,191
As long as you can get the door panel out far enough to get to the lock mechanism, and get the door unlocked, you shouldn't need any special tools.
Lower the windows, disconnect the battery, strip out the interior, get the door open, totally remove the panel, then unplug the window motor and use an external power source to run the window up and down. Install a new latch, and replace any broken clips or handles, and put it all back together.
It's not going to be easy, but if you're patient, and careful, you should be alright.
Lower the windows, disconnect the battery, strip out the interior, get the door open, totally remove the panel, then unplug the window motor and use an external power source to run the window up and down. Install a new latch, and replace any broken clips or handles, and put it all back together.
It's not going to be easy, but if you're patient, and careful, you should be alright.
