96 Sunfire Door Latch Issues

[FellintoOblivion]

So the door latch on my drivers side door decided to stop working yesterday. I figure I should be able to fix it myself but I cant get the paneling off the inside. The manual window handle seems to be getting in the way and I cant get it off.

Is it designed to just pop off under enough pressure? I pulled on it pretty hard but didnt want to break it. Any tips would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

 

[Shups]

Spring Clip

Hi,

 

[Shups]

Hi,
There is a C clip on the door handle, They make a tool for removing them, and I have heard some people use needle nose pliers, but what I use is a very stiff peice of wire with a little hook on the end.
What you need to do is put a screwdriver between the door handle and the door panel and then turn the screwdriver to hold them apart a little, just enough for you to get your hook in there, you probably wont be able to see it but there is only one spot you can hook this clip, it will either be pointing at the knob on the handle, or directly away from it.
Once you have hooked give it a pull, it will come out and the handle will come right off.
The whole process is very easy, but hard to explane, once you do it once you will understand.
To put it back on use the handle to roll the window up all the way, then decide whitch way you want handle to point, with the window closed, usally straight forward,slip the C clip back on the handle then holding the handle in the proper position push it on, you might have to tap it with your hand.
Good Luck,
Shups

 

[FellintoOblivion]

Ah thanks a lot, I will give that a try.

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[Shups]

Dont forget to oil.

Hey,
I forgot to tell you, do yourself a favor and oil your door handle pin, all linkage rods, and the door lock mechanism, you will be amazed at how easy all this stuff will work when your done.
Shups