So heres a weird problem w/ exterior RR handle assembly (08 H3)

[Happy Hummer]

I came home this evening hit the door unlock button and pulled RR exterior handle and the door was stuck solid. Figured NO problem I'll open it from inside. Oh oh!
The lock / unlock button was solid in place...weird.
Tried multiple times to open door NO Bueno!
I just put all new exterior handles on this 08 Hummer H3 about 3-6 weeks ago. They're working great. Had to break end cap and remove handle. Bummer like I said just replaced. Finally got door open. Took door card off inside and all associated items. Checked everything throughly, as well as I could, it's 18deg tonight. Put a old used back up handle and end cap back on + sprayed wd40 on mechanical portion. But the handle is still sloppy , floppy and doesn't retract like the rest.
Put door back together because it is dark out and very cold.
I'm just taking a shot in the dark but I believe the spring on the backing plate for the door handle interior plate may have failed?

I've ordered this piece and another new handle. Please provide your insights as may be it is something else, more that I'm maybe missing.

The auto door lock will make the noise for lock unlock but will not move the finger in or out inside of lock. The catch will not release or retain the striker. Hope that makes sense.

 

[Happy Hummer]

Lol! Not one other person has had a problem with there doors working?? I'm amazed!
I'm still going to order the whole door mechanism so as to replace whatever I need when I next go in there. Today we had 12" of snow and it is freaking going to be cold, so NO repairs for the foreseeable future.

 

[Korby7]

You’re heading the same direction I would go. No handle problems yet, knock on wood.

 

[Teahead]

you mis-installed something.

I installed a new rear handle about a year ago; no issues.

 

[Happy Hummer]

I don't believe so, the mis installed part. The handle was installed and working for awhile then something failed internal inside door.

 

[alrock]

OEM part or aftermarket?

 

[Happy Hummer]

Aftermarket was installed. An original handle was reinstalled. Neither work. As stated something inside the mechanism in the door seems unable to retract handle fully. So it dangles and slops around.

 

[08H3]

My guess is it's not actually broken. Probably had moisture in it that froze in the cold weather. Not on the Hummers, but I have had similar issues before on my truck. Sun came out, warmed it up and it was fine.

 

[Happy Hummer]

Lol I agree it could very well be that.

 

[4speedfunk]

If you got a "click - click" then the lock solenoid is working. Check the push rod that connects the solenoid to the latch...it may have fallen off. This might also render the inside manual pull handle useless. This would also explain the floppy handle.

 

[Happy Hummer]

Will do, thanx!

 

[Happy Hummer]

Okay. Today ir got warm enough to do the repair for the rr passenger door mechanism and handle, door base.
It was indeed the handle door base that was bad. The spring snapped leading to the failure of handle retracting. The handle base order on jungle store was not of good quality. It failed promptly upon installation.
Ended up having to reuse an old base. Lubed it and mechanism with lube and reinstalled everything.

It is now functional again. At least for a moment.