Lexus Repair: external door handle Lexus ES300 1996, lexus es300, loose link

Question
Hello. I have a 1996 Lexus ES300. I can open the door from the inside only.

With the help of this website I have been able to remove the internal door panel. I can touch the loose link connecting the exterior door knob and the latch mechanism, but I can't see the plastic piece that is broken (or loose).

I need help in how to proceed. Should I remove the external knob? I don't know, please help.

Thanks in advance,
Manolo

Answer
It may be easier for you to unbolt the door handle so you can see inside the door.  It's not completely necessary, and you'll still need to get the other clip off for the door lock or pull the lock cylinder off the door handle.  I recommend you feel around in there foor a minute to at least see.

First you need to locate the door lock assembly.  This is the latch that grabs the striker about halfway down the door.  You have probably located the door handle from inside the door already.  While reaching inside the door you should feel two metal rods that go up to the door handle from the actuator.  One of them is for the door lock, the other is for the latch.  

Likely the one for the latch has fallen out of the door handle so that's why you need to feel for it at the lock assembly.  If the rod is loose and you feel the hole it goes into has no clip in it, look for the broken clip to be laying in the bottom of the door.  

To install the new clip, you'll need to pop the clip into the hole in the door handle, then insert the rod into the clip, then pop the clip down onto the rod.  When you have the clip in your hand and you've felt the part, this should make a lot more sense.

Here is a picture of a handle with the clip, and this article, even though its a different year model, might be a good step by step with pictures for you.

Picture: http://z.about.com/d/autorepair/1/0/z/e/00000061.gif
Article: http://autorepair.about.com/library/weekly/aa092504d.htm