mj1pate

About every 10 times I enter via the driver door, the exterior door handle fails to open the door. This is independent of whether the door was locked and unlocked prior to attempted entry. Repeated locking/unlocking doesn't enable opening from the outside. After opening the door from the inside, the exterior door handle succeeds in opening the door thereafter for a while. Is this a product of an adjustment, or is it preliminary evidence of a failing door handle?

auzivision

It's a failing internal component.

It's about $50 and somewhat tricky to get in and out.

See this link for assistance.

https://rennlist.com/forums/928-forum/321404-freshman-year-in-review-including-door-handle-write-up.html

Mrmerlin

usually the pot metal part inside the door fails this is due to operators using the door handle as a lever and applying too much upwards force to pull the door open, its best to be gentle with the door handle lift it slowly till the opening mechanisim unlatches then pull the door open without adding upwards force to the handle.
The new part is a time consuming thing to replace but you get to bond with your door..... and well within the capabilities of the home mechanic. Add some lubricant to the latch mechanisim whilst the door panel is off,