Forgive me if I'm being redundant. This is my first post. My 2004 MCS door handles stick in cold weather. Doesn't have to be snowy or icy, cold and dry will do it. When you open the door from the outside, the black plastic plunger on the inside of the handle sticks, stays retracted. Hence the door won't latch when you close it. It looks closed, but flies open when you corner, which is kind of exciting when you don't expect it. The inside opener does nothing under these circumstances- moves but doesn't do anything.

Anyone else have this problem? If so, how did you fix it or work around it?

 

try lock de-icer

 

This is a common problem. LOT15 has the best solution. I can't remember what it is but it worked great. Hopefully he will see this tread or maybe you should try to e-mail him.

 

Whatever Lot15 says has to work - I remember his temperature posts from last Winter. BTW, a Very Happy Holiday to all!

 

Welcome dlscott80021!!! For a first question that is a darn good one!! On my '03 there was a fix for the door mechanism cable which could get stuck due to ice....not sure about cold. Also not sure about '04s. Ya might call the dealer and have them look at it. It'd be a warranty repair....if that's what it is.

 

http://usminiclub.com/Forums/viewtopic/t=162.html

 

There is a recall on this at the dealer. Have them replace the door handles

 

There is a recall,had mine done last week when they were doing clutch.It takes about 1 hr per side.

 

After re-reading the original post, this seems like a different problem then what was happening to some 02-03's.
The problem back then seemed to be that the cables inside the door word ice up and stick, not letting the door works to cycle properly. The door would latch shut, but then not open.

I had the cables replaced, but this did not fix the problem. Then the Tech. at my dealer figured out the problem. Snow or ice would build up in the outside handle and not let it retract all the way. MINI Canada., basicly told him he was nuts, but he continuded to find this problem on other MINIs.

The short term fix was to hold the handle open and brush or pick out the snow, ice.

The long term fix, which is now in it's second winter for me, and the problem has never come back was to install 04 door handles.

But this sounds like a different problem, so I would take your MINI to the dealer and get the recall done.
In the mean time, lock de-icer may help to lube the handle, and stop it from sticking.

 

See my post #6. The MINI bulletin on this is right there. Fix for cars built prior to April, 04

 

Oops

 

NP oh wise one

 

You too, eh