Busted door handle

[farmerkev]

The interior handle broke on my truck. Its just loose and I can move it all over, but it isnt working. How does the plastic outer bezel come off? I was prying it with a flathead screwdriver but it felt like it was going to brake if I kept doing it. I want to see if I need a new one or if it just disengaged.

[gr8twhite]

You need to get to it by removing the inner door panel...

[farmerkev]

The whole pannel?!

[gr8twhite]

Yup.

The outside handle is bolted to the door from behind with two screws.

You may get away with removing all the pins and slipping underneath the door panel, but I doubt it. You probably won't be able to see anything or reach it.

Also keep in mind:

Plastic "snaps" and breaks very easily when its cold....

[farmerkev]

Its the inner handle that broke. The outer handle works fine.

If I still need to take off the whole panel F*** that S*** Ill keep opening the window. :eek:

[gr8twhite]

Its the inner handle that broke. The outer handle works fine.

If I still need to take off the whole panel F*** that S*** Ill keep opening the window. :eek:
Well, that's an easier fix.

Can't remember what the 96 interior panel looks like, but the panel most likely has to come off for that too...

[SimpleGreen]

The door panel is a breeze to take off, especially if you have power doors.

[skidmarx15]

The door panel is a breeze to take off, especially if you have power doors.
:word:
I just replaced mine about a month ago, real easy.
Also, just drill through the rivet.
Don't be afraid to really pull on the panel either, you've gotta either strip or break the plastic screws to get it off, the ones that didn't break still holds the panel on fine for me.
Here's what you'll be looking at.
http://i428.photobucket.com/albums/qq2/skidmarx151/IMG_2590.jpg
http://i428.photobucket.com/albums/qq2/skidmarx151/IMG_2589.jpg
The rod on mine was bent, but I decided to just replace the handle while I had the panel ripped off.

[skidmarx15]

That also gives you a look at how dirty it is and how my trucks starting to rust.

But I still love 'er.

[Bigg G]

Shouldn't be a big deal to R/R the inner door handle and you do have to remove the panel if you have power locks.

There should be 2 screws in the arm rest..remove them
Remove the inner door handle trim bezel
Gently pull the panel from the door along the right/left edge and bottom of the panel

You might break a few of the plastic snap clips in the process

The inner door handle is held in place with 2 rivets so you'll have to drill the head off and re-install with the supplied screws.

The R/R should take you 30 minutes tops.


If you need new speakers or switches replace them while your in there.

[skidmarx15]

Also, make sure you keep that plastic piece that comes on the new handle assembly, I threw mine away at first and had to dig through the garbage.

[farmerkev]

Ill keep this thread in mind, but Ill wait till spring (like everything else) because I have two new speakers to install as well. I dont have a garage to work in and dont feel like doing any of out in the cold.

[Don Shafer]

So where is a good place to get the replacement parts and what should I get?
Mine broke on my 97 yesterday and my window is froze shut from the freezing rain we received on Saturday.

[dalejrfan88]

$15 at Napa!

[Don Shafer]

Thanks!