My ford escape did somewhat the
same thing.
The handle seemed weaker than the
others,like its pulled out all the way
but not unlatching the door.
On YouTube Dark woods has a
video of it,photos at the end with
pointers.
What happened to mine was the
lock did not unlock 100%,after
taking the door panel off,with the
door closed,2 screws for the back,I
popped the panel off..
Follow the wires to the switch,the
side of the switch near the door
frame,you will see a brass colored
plate.
Press the lock unlock button,this
plate will move up,down..
Take a small flat head screw
driver,with the brass plate in the up
position,,(unlock) press the plate
down,it will lock,,then push the
plate back up,,unlock position...
The plate should move 1/8 inch up
higher,,pull handle and open door...
Spray with oil even the back hatch
and glass can freeze in the semi
lock position..
YouTube Dark woods
his video of his 2002 escape may
have the same switch as yours.
It helped with mine.
He had both passenger doors,the
hatch back door and glass for the
hatch back were stuck close,you
have to pause the video to read
what it says,good luck.
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