Well I have a 2002 tribute and the pass front door will not open. I tried to unlock it and see if that worked but still nothing from the interior and exterior handles. Today I took out the front seat to see a little better in the door since I can't get the interior panel off all the way and can't see anything in the latch. Has anyone ever had this problem before and if so what was the fix. I was told by my mechanic that the door may have to bee cut off and then replaced and I'm not paying an arm and a leg for this. the kids can just climb over the seat like they have been. Thanks for the advice in advance.

 

A search on this and other forums will show that you have encountered a common problems with the Tribute. I brought mine in under warranty, while others have posted their fixes in this forum.

 

Yeah and I have read the post about them but I can't even get the door open to get to the handle to fix the problem that everyone has mentioned

 

I have a 2002 Tribute and also cannot get the rear driver side door open. Niether the outside or inside handle works. When the keyless entry is activated it sounds like the lock is working but the handles do not allow the door to open. I pulled the inside lock handle off and attempted to pull on the cable but it does not budge.

Does anyone have any suggestions how i can get the door to open?

Thanks for your help!!!

 

In my never ending quest to get to the bottom of this problem I have been searching the internet and think I stumbled on how to get the door open. The link below is to a Ford Escape Forum and explains, with pictures, how to get the rear door panel off with the door closed and where to get access to a latch to open the door. i am going to try this tonight to see if it takes care of my issue and will post back.

http://www.escape-central.com/1forum...406&perpage=33

 

Final update on this, tonight I was able to get the door open for the first time in over year. Just like the website said I had to push the brass latch down (lock position) and then with the remote was able to unlock the door and could open the door with the ourside handle. I still have a problem with the inside cable not moving, so i will continue to work on that.

 

I realize this thread is over a year old, but I have the same problem, has anyone resolved this issue?