NTB18-042a

Classification:
Reference:
BT18-008a
Date:
NTB18-042a
May 4, 2020
2018-2020 LEAF; FRONT DOOR WILL NOT OPEN
This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page.
Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
APPLIED VEHICLES:
2018-2020 LEAF (ZE1)
IF YOU CONFIRM
One or both front doors of an APPLIED VEHICLE will not open with the inside and/or
outside door handle,
AND
The door handles, cables, and latch are in good working order,
AND
There is no damage to the door.
ACTION
Inspect, and adjust as necessary, the gap between the lever on the latch and the tab of the
stiffener.

Refer to SERVICE PROCEDURE on page 2.
CAUTION: Do not bend the stiffener tab up or down only to adjust the gap. Follow the
steps in this bulletin for proper adjustment.
IMPORTANT: The purpose of ACTION (above) is to give you a quick idea of the work you
will be performing. You MUST closely follow the entire SERVICE PROCEDURE as it
contains information that is essential to successfully complete this repair.
Nissan Bulletins are intended for use by qualified technicians, not 'do-it-yourselfers'. Qualified technicians are
properly trained individuals who have the equipment, tools, safety instruction, and know-how to do a job
properly and safely. NOTE: If you believe that a described condition may apply to a particular vehicle, DO
NOT assume that it does. See your Nissan dealer to determine if this applies to your vehicle.
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SERVICE PROCEDURE
Inspection/Adjustment: Latch Lever-to-Stiffener Tab Gap
1.
Remove the front door finisher of the affected door.

Refer to the Electronic Service Manual (ESM), section BODY INTERIOR >
INTERIOR > REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION > FRONT DOOR FINISHER for
front door finisher removal.
NOTE: It may be intermittent that the door will not open. Attempt to open the door
multiple times with both handles. If the door does not open normally, follow normal
repair procedures for consequential damage during front door finisher removal.
2.
Connect the power window switch, and then close (roll up) the door glass.
3.
Access the tab stiffener and door latch lever.

Refer to Figure 1 below, and Figure 2 on the next page.
Rear of
front door
Stiffener
Door
stiffener
Tab
Figure 1
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NTB18-042a
4.
Move the lever on the door latch until it is level with the stiffener tab.

Move the lever by raising the outside door handle.
NOTE: The door latch is hidden behind the door glass rubber run.
5.
With the lever and stiffener tab still level with each other, inspect the gap between the
latch lever and stiffener tab.

Lever-to-door stiffener gap:
Minimum 3 mm (0.118 inch), maximum 5 mm (0.197 inch)
Latch lever
Tab
Door glass
rubber run
at rear of
door
Stiffener
Gap
Minimum allowed:
3 mm (0.118 inch)
Maximum allowed:
5 mm (0.197 inch)
Figure 2
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NTB18-042a
6.
If the gap is not within specifications, adjust the stiffener tab to widen the gap.

Using a suitable pair of pliers, adjust the gap by bending the stiffener tab
horizontally along the dashed line (see Figure 3).

After adjusting the gap, adjust the tab as necessary to a level position (see
Figure 3).
CAUTION: Do not adjust the gap by bending the stiffener tab up or down only.
Door glass
rubber run
at rear of
door
…and then
level the tab
Bend here…
Stiffener
Figure 3
7.
Re-install the front door finisher.

Refer to the ESM, section BODY INTERIOR > INTERIOR > REMOVAL AND
INSTALLATION > FRONT DOOR FINISHER for front door finisher installation.
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NTB18-042a
CLAIMS INFORMATION
Submit a Primary Operation (PO) type line claim using the following claims coding:
(1)
DESCRIPTION
OP CODE
SYM
DIA
FRT
Adjust Latch Lever
(1)
ZE
32
0.3
Refer to the Electronic Parts Catalog and use the Front Door Lock Assy (80501-*****)
as the Primary Failed Part.
AMENDMENT HISTORY
PUBLISHED DATE
REFERENCE
DESCRIPTION
June 15, 2018
NTB18-042
Original bulletin published
May 4, 2020
NTB18-042a
APPLIED VEHICLES revised
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NTB18-042a