What are the reasons for the door handle not retracting smoothly?
3 Answers
The reasons for the door handle not retracting smoothly: The door handle has been used frequently, possibly for an extended period, leading to accumulated dust inside the handle. It could also be due to water ingress causing rust inside the handle. There is a spring inside the handle, which is a return spring. If the handle is used for a long time, the return tension of the spring may become insufficient, causing the spring not to retract. Diagnostic methods for door handle return failure: Use a fault detection tool to check; there should be no fault codes stored in the smart key control module. Read the data stream; if the status of the outer door handle switch is ON when not pressed, this is abnormal—normally, it should be OFF. Disconnect the wiring connector of the outer door handle switch; if the status changes from ON to OFF, it indicates an internal short circuit in the outer door handle switch contacts.
I've experienced the issue of door handles not retracting smoothly several times, and here are the main causes I've identified. The most common one is aging or broken internal springs in the door handle, where frequent opening and closing causes the spring to lose elasticity. Another reason could be a stuck door lock mechanism, especially in vehicles that haven't been used for a long time, where lack of lubrication leads to rust and jamming. Additionally, excessive dust accumulation in the gaps around the door handle can hinder smooth movement when dirt and mud get inside. Another possibility is minor collisions causing door deformation, leading to slight misalignment of the handle affecting its rebound. I recommend regular maintenance, such as periodic spraying of lubricant to prevent sticking. If the handle already has retraction issues, it's best to disassemble it to inspect the spring or clean out internal dust buildup. Those with good DIY skills can handle it themselves, but for more complex cases, it's better to visit a repair shop.
As someone who frequently works on car repairs myself, I believe door handle return issues should be assessed case by case. If it occurs in cold weather, it's likely due to freezing or solidified grease, which can be gently resolved with a hairdryer. During rainy seasons, the problem might stem from internal parts rusting due to moisture, requiring rust removal and lubrication. Installation issues are also common; for instance, last time I helped a friend, we found the handle pivot screw was loose, causing wobbling and failure to return. For models with keyless entry, it could be that the electronic sensor is stuck, affecting mechanical movement. In such cases, it's best to first rule out electronic component issues before inspecting the mechanical structure. A simple fix is to try spraying WD-40; if that doesn't work, you'll need to remove the door panel to check the springs and linkage mechanisms inside.
