QuestionThe outside door handle will not open the door. How do you get the metal inside door panel off, aka the regulator module? I have removed the 10mm bolts, but am not sure what I need to do to remove regulator module to be able to get to the door handle and lock assembly. What do I need to do about the window?
AnswerHi, Vern. Depending on the situation, you may not need to access the door from inside. The portion of the handle on which you pull is completely accessible without removing the trim panel.
On the rear of your door, there is a round black plastic plug about 1 inch in diameter. Remove this plug and remove the 8mm bolt behind it. (Use care so you do not drop the bolt into the door. I like to use a magnet to hold the bolt.) Remove the lock cylinder by pulling the assembly out from the door. Then, you'd normally remove the outside pull handle by sliding it rearward. As yours is broken, you may need to remove some of the pieces individually. Once all pieces are removed, install the new pull handle into the door and slide forward. Then reinstall the lock cylinder, tighten its retaining bolt, and reinstall the plug.
If you need to access the handle base inside the door, you'll need to remove the regulator module as you've alluded in your question. We'll start at the point where you've removed the trim panel since it's apparent in your question that's already been done.
1. Lower the window so that the window grip bolts are accessible throught the two 2" rubber plugs in the regulator assembly.
2. Remove the round black plastic plug on the rear of the door.
3. Remove the 8mm lock cylinder retaining bolt.
4. Remove the lock cylinder.
5. Remove the pull handle.
6. Remove the black plastic insulators between the lock cylinder and handle and the door.
7. Loosen (do not remove) the Phillips screw behind one of the plastic insulators.
8. Remove the three door latch bolts.
9. Loosen (do not remove) the two 10mm window grip bolts.
10. Remove the window glass from the door (or simply slide it fully upward away from the regulator and tape or otherwise hold it in place).
11. Remove the eight 10mm bolts holding the regulator assembly to the door.
12. Remove the regulator assembly from the door. Once it's pulled away a bit, you'll need to slide it forward a bit, pull the top outward so that the upper part of the regulator clears the door, and then lift upward while continuing to slide backward.
The latch and outside door handle base should still be attached to the regulator module. Service the handle base as necessary and reassemble.
