Yesterday when I left work to go home, I tried to open the drivers side door and the handle comes out like its supposed to but its not opening the door. It feels like whatever its pulling on to open the door isnt attached anymore.

Its an 01 Escape XLT. I can probably get the door apart, but wouldn't know what to look for once I was in there. Has anyone else had this issue that could give me some help?

 

Once you get the door apart you will see several silver rods. Move them up/down and in/out. If one is disconnected it will be pretty easy to tell. They have clips that turn and lock in place so my guess is one of those has broken.

 

Yes, the #1 cause for door handles moving but not actually opening the door is broken plastic clips on the actuator rods. Dorman sells assortments of clips in its Help! range - available cheaply from any parts store.