In S40 and V40 models, the door handle structure is relatively simple, but space inside the door is tight. The most common causes of malfunction are linkage rods coming loose from their plastic clips or jamming caused by dirt.

Before you can access the lock rods, the door panel must be removed: Screws: Look for plastic trim plugs (usually on the handle and edges). Gently pry them out with a flathead screwdriver, revealing Phillips head screws underneath. Mirror triangle: The plastic trim piece in front of the window is attached with special adhesive (resembles painter's tape). Warning: The upper part of the corner piece has a plastic pin. Do not twist the piece outward forcefully, but "slide" it off gently so the pin does not break. The adhesive will stick again during installation. Speaker grille: Pry the grille from the edge (for example, from the bottom). It may conceal additional screws holding the panel to the door frame.

When the panel is off and the moisture barrier (plastic) is opened: Loose rods: Check that the metal rods going from the door handle to the lock are in place. They are secured with plastic clips that crack over time. If a rod hangs free, it needs to be lifted back into its guide. Play: If the handle feels loose, the rod can often be adjusted or its mounting point tightened with, for example, a small piece of electrical tape or heat shrink tubing to eliminate the play. Lubrication: Spray penetrating oil (for example, CRC) generously directly into the lock mechanism and move the handle back and forth. Often dust and old grease have turned into grit that prevents the return spring from working.

If the exterior handle is physically broken or needs to be removed for painting: At the end of the door (near the lock) there is usually a plastic plug, under which is a screw. Open the screw and pull the handle backward, and it will come out of its mounts. Be careful not to pull the rod loose so it falls to the bottom of the door—fishing it out from there is tedious.

Wiring: Make sure the power window and any door light wiring is reconnected before pushing the panel clips back in. Testing: Test door opening from both inside and outside before finally closing the door and installing all screws. If the door jams in the closed position without the panel, opening it is really difficult. Mirror triangle adhesive: If the original adhesive has dried and will not stick, you can use a small piece of butyl putty or double-sided mounting tape.

If the door will not open from either side, try pressing the door hard inward while pulling on the handle. This may free up a jammed lock pawl.