simons

I have a 2004 Maxima with the same problem. In the spring the rear left passenger door handle felt like there was some resistance and it would take a couple of pulls to open the door. Then the next day it wouldn't open at all. The inside handle operates ok but the door won't open. Also, the lock handle will only move halfway open unlocking but is ok when locking.
The first problem is getting the inside door panel off with the door closed, does any have any hints which won't damage the panel?
I took the rear right passenger door apart to see if there is any way of getting at the door latch, but there seems to be a plastic cover over the mechanism.
I found that the door catch is spring loaded, which means pulling the handle only releases the catch and a spring opens it up. The cables aren't directly connected to the catch to pull it open. If I closed the catch I could hold it closed while pull the door handle and it wouldn't open.
If I can get the door panel off I will still have to butcher the mechanism to get it to release.
Has anyone else had this door mechanism failure? If so, how did you get the door open?

Amerikaner83

iTrader: (17)

stupid question but I'll ask anyhow...

Are the child locks activated?

simons

No the child locks aren't engaged. If they were the outside door handle would still open the door.
Pulling either door handle or the lock handle I can hear the cables moving at the latch but it just won't release the catch. My first guess is a problem with the locking mechanism.

po8pimp

I had this issue with my escalade. You might want to take this one in to nissan. I think I disconnected the battery and then reconnected and kept pressing the unlock until it finally let me open it. then I replaced the lock on that door.

simons

I try that myself, first. Thanks.

simons

After taking apart the passenger side rear door a couple of times, I figured the problem was with the door handle mechanism. From the outside I pulled the handle and sprayed WD40 though inside the door. I sprayed it at a sharp angle (towards for front of the car). After letting it soak for awhile I gave the handle a few quick pulls and surprise surprise the door opened. I left the door opened while I got my tools to remove the door liner. I found handle mechanism inside the door (actually called the "Outside Handle Bracket", part no. 80611+7Y000) had a rusty pin which kept the handle from fully returning. I replaced the handle bracket and gaskets and all is good.