Door Handle Fixed!

[carlkoehne]

Finally. after spending $9.45 for the yellow clip, got the thing apart . Started with the screw under the hand hole (small plastic oblong cover pops off), pop off small plastic cover towards middle front of door and remove screw, and pop the two expansion type plugs from the rear (broke one-should have that neat litlle tool). Gently pry bottom and front expansion plugs. Push up and panel will release. Careful with wires - look for plug releases and disconnect.

Gently pull away the plastic door covering (you will be putting it back)to expose the rear half of the door. Also, on the top end of the door is a big chunk of rubber held on by a small screw. Remove the screw and gently pop out a little expansion connector towards the outside of the door. pull the rubber out but be careful because it is connected to the weather stripping that runs down the back of the door. Now, with the window up, you can see the back of the door handle. I used several small lights and at different times had to open or close the window.

The door handle is held on with two 10mm bolts and a third holds the lock mechanism. The bolt towards the front of the door has to be removed with an open end wrench (a ratcheting box is ideal) with the window up. The rear bolt and lock bolt can be reached with a 1/4" drive 10' extenson and a 10mm socket. Play with the door handle until it comes out and you can see where the clip fits into one of the arms of the handle and the rod it is connected to. Put the new clip in the hole of the handle first then push the rod into the clip and push in on the clip to lock it on the rod.

Then reverse the procedure. It takes some time but be careful for sharp edges.

Hope this helps.