front passenger side door handle...

[garywmendel]

...will not open door from outside...and makes a wheezing sound when engaged (putting car in park, using key fob).

any experience, tips, ideas, help?

 

[Ostrichsak]

This is probably the most common failure on the Model S. As such it's been well detailed and documented over the years. Search this forum and Google for all of the info you could ever want on what the specific problem is and how it can be fixed if you're handy. Often times it's a new $5 part and an hour or two of your time to rectify.

 

[Bodyhauler]

The Mobile Repair Guy can fix it at your home. Quick fix for them. They fixed mine in less than an hour.

 

[Lasttoy]

I've changed 3, gear broke. I'm out of warranty.

 

[Lectric_Agent]

Unless you’re a total DIY guy, it might be worth biting the bullet and paying mobile service to do it. The new handles are Gen III and require a new wiring harness because they completely redesigned them for extra reliability. I watched them install one of mine under warranty, the new internals are much less complicated, and they eliminated the micro switch completely so that won’t be a failure point. I didn’t see the new paddle gear, but the tech told me it was made of a stronger material

 

[Lasttoy]

The new gear is better. I found that what I think is a cause. Corrosion from water. One had wires rusted off the micro switch. I spray WD40 on all 4 now. I heard that it cost $600 for new mechanism and it has too be programmed. I also found rust on one window regulator cable. Here we cant escape the salt air, it ruins everything. WD40 all the time just slows it down.

 

[garywmendel]

This is probably the most common failure on the Model S. As such it's been well detailed and documented over the years. Search this forum and Google for all of the info you could ever want on what the specific problem is and how it can be fixed if you're handy. Often times it's a new $5 part and an hour or two of your time to rectify.

yep. since found some good stuff on google. it's likely the harness. i ordered the parts and am going to try the fix based on some good videos. thanks.

 

[Lasttoy]

The hardest thing is getting the proper size tools. And patience, my first one took hours, now it's easy. Same with window regulator. I had to buy 18mm socket to do front hubs. We can change most of the normal things. Buy off Ebay, get the tools, watch the videos.

 

[lloyds]

I had 2 out of 4 replaced and it would make a grinding mechanical noise. Eventually I was not able to open my doors. Had it replaced under warranty at 40k. Def an issue that is well-doc and is a poor hardware issue.