TSB 09-24-7 Body - Exterior Door Handle(s) Hard TO Open/Not

[thesavo]

EXTERIOR DOOR HANDLE DIFFICULT TO OPEN/HANDLE NOT SITTING FLUSH WHEN RELEASED/HANDLE STICKING WHEN OPENING DOOR - BUILT ON OR BEFORE 9/1/2009

TSB 09-24-7

FORD:
2008-2010 Escape

MERCURY:
2008-2010 Mariner

ISSUE
Some 2008-2010 Escape and Mariner vehicles built on or before 9/1/2009 may exhibit an exterior door handle that is difficult to open, does not sit flush when released, and/or sticks when opening door. This may be due to the exterior door handle plunger binding on the door handle bezel.

ACTION
Follow the service procedure to correct the condition.

SERVICE PROCEDURE

1. Remove the exterior door bezel on affected door(s) per Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 501-14.
   
2. Closely examine the exterior door bezel for signs of damage; inspect for a groove worn into the bezel due to contact with the door handle plunger. Is any damage present? (Figure 1)
   
   1. No - Do not continue with this procedure and follow WSM, Section 501-14 Symptom Chart pinpoint test T.
   2. Yes - Replace bezel with revised exterior door bezel as necessary following WSM, Section 501-14
      Parts Block

PART NUMBER	PART NAME
AL8Z-78218B08-BAPTM	Bezel - Less lock Cylinder, Paint to match
AL8Z-78218A14-AA	Bezel - Keyhole, Black
AL8Z-78218A14-BAPTM	Bezel - Keyhole, Paint to Match
AL8Z-78218B08-AA	Bezel - Loss Lock Cylinder, Black

WARRANTY STATUS: Eligible Under Provisions Of New Vehicle Limited Warranty Coverage
IMPORTANT: Warranty coverage limits/policies are not altered by a TSB. Warranty coverage limits are determined by the identified causal part.

OPERATION	DESCRIPTION	TIME
092407A	2008-2010 Escape, Mariner: Inspect And Replace One (1) Front Bezel. This Labor Operation Can Be Claimed With C Or D (If The New Bezel Requires Paint Use B-Time)	0.6 Hr.
092407B	2008-2010 Escape, Mariner: Inspect And Replace Two (2) Front Bezels. This Labor Operation Can Be Claimed With C Or D (If The New Bezel Requires Paint Use B-Time)	1.0 Hr.
092407C	2008-2010 Escape, Mariner: Inspect And Replace One (1) Rear Bezel. This Labor Operation Can Be Claimed With A Or B (If The New Bezel Requires Paint Use B-Time)	0.5 Hr.
092407D	2008-2010 Escape, Mariner: Inspect And Replace Two (2) Rear Bezels. This Labor Operation Can Be Claimed With A Or B (If The New Bezel Requires Paint Use B-Time)	0.8 Hr.

DEALER CODING

BASIC PART No.	Condition Code
7822404	30