I know this is an issue that has been mentioned before, but have not had any updated resolution for it.

I have a 2009 Chrysler Sebring.

A few times a month, the driver side door does NOT open, neither from the outside nor the inside.

I understand that there have been recalls in the past for all cars with this issue.

1. Why is this happening?
2. How do I fix?

We've gone to the Chrysler show room to fix before, and they said it was a couple of loose wires under driver seat, but no matter what they try and do, the problem will return the very next month.

It's becoming an extremely annoying thing to keep jumpin in from the passenger side every time.

If theres no fix, I'm going to sell the car or exchange it in as Part-Exchange.

 

If it won't open mechanically by pulling on the handle, then it's unlikely that "loose wires under the seat" have anything to do with the problem. I would first try spraying a little WD-40 in the latch mechanism to see if that helps. After eight years, any mechanical device could use some lubrication.

 

Hi umer,

You mentioned the Chrysler show room. Have you worked with the service department at the dealership to have them diagnose this for you?

Kori
Chrysler Social Care Specialist

 

Hi @dcotter0579

I have tried WD-40, but to no-avail. I think its a computer or mechanical fault with Chrysler models, which have warranted a recall in the past. But since they discontinued the sebring a few years back, they don't support it anymore.

@ChryslerCares

Yes, we have dealt with the service department at the dealership and they said multiple things:

1. It could be the wires under the driver seat that gets loose when you move seat forward/back
2. Could be when the weather is freezing cold outside, the driver door lock mechanism just freezes
3. The code in the key fob needs resetting

They literally were clueless about this issue everytime we go there to show them, the door works. So they couldn't help.

But its feeling like a gamble to be honest. Everytime I go to my car in the morning, I take a deep breath hoping it will open, THEN I attempt to open the door. 80% of the time I'm successful. 20% it fails. VERY intermittent.

I'm out of ideas.

 

Hi,
I have the same problem with my driver side door.
The car is a 2009 Sebring and I bought the car from my brother just over 3 years ago and every now and then the driver door would not open. Up till now this fault would only happen in winter months, so I thought it was to do with temperature, but now it started happening again and it's pretty warm just now, for Scotland anyways. I spoke to my brother and he said he has the same problem and was repaired in 2013 and the description of the fault was that the lock had seized and was replaced. The repair was carried out by a Chrysler dealer at that time but the fault started appearing less than 18 months after the repair.

 

I have the exact same issue - I used to think it was due to the winter months, but has been happening a few times this and past month too - even though its warm.

I will try and get lock replaced, but since the issue re-occured for you in less than 18 months, maybe it might not be worth it.

Did you go back to the dealer and tell them the issue came back? If so, what did they say?

 

Hi umer,

It does make it difficult to diagnose if the vehicle is not showcasing the concern or storing codes when it happens. If you find there are any conditions under which it might be more easily replicated at the dealership, I'd be happy to get our corporate techs involved as well to try and diagnose the concern for you.

Kori
Chrysler Social Care Specialist

 

Hi Kori

I completely understand.

Its pretty unpredictable at the moment, I haven't come across a scenario where I know this locking problem would occur....I can only think that at the time I see the issue, drive straight to the dealer that day or in that moment, without appointment. Would that be possible to do?

Thanks
Umer

 

I would definitely try that! They should be able to accommodate you for something like that without an appointment--they may not be able to do a repair on the spot, but maybe they can find out the concern and then go from there.

Kori
Chrysler Social Care Specialist

 

Thank you for the advice Kori.