Door handle “sticks”

I have similar occasionally in my '13, as in I have to give the door a 'tug' to open it.

In my case it's the seals 'sticking' to the body. Cleaned them well with a damp rag, treated with rubber protectant, no more sticking.

It's worth a try. It actually costs nothing, as this should be part of your maintenance routine anyway.

 

Well, I suppose I haven’t. I just meant it was unrelated to whether I had locked or unlocked the truck. When it happened recently, i got it on video, and replicated it 4 times in a row without doing anything to the locks.
I suppose a locking mechanism could have been part of the problem. Just not related to, for example, whether I had a fob or key in my pocket or the truck, etc.

 

I’ll try today and will report back. Heads up that I’m on a hunting trip so my report may be a little delayed.

 

this is helpful thanks. I am pulling the handle fully and firmly each time it failed to open. It didn’t feel like the seals because there was a sudden and complete stop to the travel as though a latch was still in the way. I’m hesitant to lubricate the seals inappropriately. Will look at it today.

 

Handle pull to locking mechanism is a pure mechanical pathway.
Fob or door button lock/unlock is an electrical pathway triggering a mechanical action.

Sharing only to help possibly reduce your troubleshooting.

Has it ever happened from the inside handle? Or only the outside?

The assembly in most Toyota for this for the outside pull is a compact rotating arm that clips onto a solid metal rod that traverses down into the door lock assembly.

If you look up since you tube repair/replace videos for a Toyota door lock solenoid replacement you'll get an easy idea of this very basic interface.

 

I doubt if I will watch a video about a door handle malfunction, I've watched less pertinent videos before.

I was just curious if it was the mechanical handle or something to do with the electronic locks and the signal, various fobs/cards etc.

The door should always open from the inside of the vehicle no matter what including when the battery is disconnected.

The above post asks all the questions that could prove what is or isn't happening to allow the door to open.

 

The video was about how to replace a locking mechanism, which due to its process allows you to see and understand the locking mechanism...

The door, if unlocked, should always open from either handle 100% of the time. Hence the troubleshooting sequence of handle travel, lock engagement, part function