LS Door Handle Issue

[66FAIRLANE]

The outside drivers door handle on my wife's Focus no longer will open the door. There seems to be something obstructing it from full travel. It is a cabriolet & the window drop still works. Door opens fine from the inside.

Is there a known issue on these before I tear into it?

[russellw]

Nothing known that I can find.

[66FAIRLANE]

Thanks for looking. A few things on the net but they are a bit wishy washy. The handle is catching & not going to full travel I can feel the passenger side starting to do it too. Time to dig in. Not looking forward to it.

[marg99]

it may be that the key barrel has moved in the door (unlikely unless some one tried the old screw driver opener)or he arm on the rear of the key barrel has some how bent

[66FAIRLANE]

It gets weirder. The handle is somehow mechanically restrained at half travel, like its catching. Open door from inside, door trim off. Door open & the handle moves free & smooth. Shut door, door now opens but you can feel the catching at about half travel. Simulate closing with screwdriver in latch. Handle works smooth as hell! Grrrrr!