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Model S door handel failure
- Thread starter Knightowl
- Start date
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- door handle Model S
On the first part, right. Outside door handles failing almost certainly don't fit under the definition of a vehicle safety issue. Recalls are generally for safety defects or non-compliance w/FMVSS. Not sure about FMVSS compliance here.
I'm guessing it is to maintain customer satisfaction and possibly to avoid lawsuits. http://nissanassist.com used to list a whole bunch but it's down to a single item now.
I know I was covered by Combination Meter Warranty Enhancement on my Prius, but too bad (?) it's still working fine and my Prius is past 10 years old, so it won't be covered if it fails now. I also received Brake actuator "warranty extension" from Toyota in snail mail.
That's better than the $1300/handle figure I've seen at [proposed] Class action lawsuit against tesla - door handles unreliable. Further down that thread, I see an $896 figure.
Back at it again this morning for another attempt
I'm a bit stuck at the moment attempting to get the window regulator assembly out to access the door handel assembly.
I'm a bit stuck at the moment attempting to get the window regulator assembly out to access the door handel assembly.
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See attached. You don't need to remove the window but this is your first time
Hope it helps, I'm typing this from my iPhone on a hike with the family
View attachment 198740 View attachment 198741 View attachment 198742 View attachment 198743
Well after getting back at it this morning even with the diagrams you provided I'm still stuck trying to get the window control mechanism out and this large bar in my way.
I think I may have to throw in the towel on this attempt as well, I was hopeful I could fix this myself but it may be a bit too much for me it would seem. Will have to think this over some more as kiddos are not cooperating this morning for me to give it anymore time.
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EarlyAdopter
Active Member
Tesla replaced all 4 of my 1st gen door handle mechanisms with what I was under the impression were 2nd gen ones (or at least significantly improved, redesigned ones as I never had a door handle problem again) in August 2013 after multiple failures. So I would have thought cars coming off the line would have had them starting around then.
From the OP manufacture date and VIN, it appears not. I find that really strange. Maybe I got prototype gen 2s long before the line got upgraded? Weird.
After having been in the door multible times I can tell you that my Feb 2014 model S has several parts in it dated to Nov and Dec 2013
At this point it only takes me 5min to get the door all apart to the point I get stuck at so faster each time vs 45min the first time going slow.
You can call me if you want.
But that bar killed me the first couple times I did it. I had to look under the door and release the nut that holds that bar in place, the nut is under the door (near where the puddle light would be) under a plastic cover that you have to pop off, after you pop it off you can lift that bar for a little more clearance.
I have a time lapse of me removing one that I may be able to post tonight
Much appreciated, I had to call off the attempt due to my misbehaving children (they are usually awesome kids tho) and wont have time again for another attempt till the weekend, this morning I have another issue and am off to the tire shop as soon as there is enough air in the tire to make it the 3mi
mikeash
Active Member
Apologies in advance, but this is irrationally bugging me:
The word you want is "handle." Handel was a famous barque composer.
We now return you to your regularly scheduled productive conversation, already in progress.
The word you want is "handle." Handel was a famous barque composer.
We now return you to your regularly scheduled productive conversation, already in progress.
Haha thanks sometimes my slightly dyslexic mind gets stuck typing things the wrong way.
He composed sailing ships?
Baroque composer
Obviously, I wouldn't normally point that out, but....
ApauloThirteen
Member
He composed sailing ships?
Baroque composer
Obviously, I wouldn't normally point that out, but....
Ha reminds me of "And if it is not baroque, don't fix it...." Kudos to those who can ID the movie.
mikeash
Active Member
Baroque composer
Muphry's Law (not a typo) strikes again!
Dithermaster
Member
A few months ago I took my intermittent 2013 driver's side handle out (and got it back in) without removing the window or regulator. The top rear nut was the hardest, I had to buy a slim wrench. I repaired the white wire connection and it works great. Thanks to the thread linked back on the first page of this thread.
I'm hoping my repair goes as well, I also bought a small skinny wrench for my next attempt. Can never have too many kinds of tools. I'm hoping my next time in the door will be my last time and end with success, also hoping to get this fixed before it starts getting too cold and before the snow comes as it would really not make my day to be opening first the back door then the front in a snowstorm. The non working handle also wont be a good sign if I dont have it fixed before visiting my family over new years down in florida as they were all solidly against me buying a tesla, for them it would be a golden 'told you so' moment with the broken handle.
They dont know I already bought one.
Interestingly my door handle has slowly been retracting day by day since it stopped working, it is at about 3mm protruding from the side of the car so maybe by the time I'm able to work on it again it will be flush in the fully retracted position, will make it easier to get it out that's for sure.
I'm set for another attempt at the door this sunday when my wife will be able to corral the kiddos and give me some quality time to work on it, hoping I can just swing that bar out of the way and not even have to mess with the window control mechanism at all. I dont have small hands so expect to sacrifice some skin while getting the door handle assembly out.
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