Oldsmobile/Buick Repair: 1998 Buick LeSabre Custom Outside Door Handle, negative battery cable, o reilley

Question
QUESTION: I have a 1998 Buick LeSabre Custom 3.8L and the outside door handle no longer works - the interior handle does still open the door - the button pushes with much less resistance than the other three doors - how do I access the handle to see what might be broken or disconnected? The car does have power windows and power locks.
Thank you

ANSWER: Hi
Here is the EXACT procedure from GM service.
You'll need a special tool, a Door Trim Pad and Garnish Clip Remover., which should be avalible from any auto parts store.


Remove the arm rest bezel switch plate.Use a small, flat-bladed tool.
Release the retaining tab on the courtesy lamp.
Remove the courtesy lamp.
Remove the retaining fastener from the rear of the trim panel.
Remove the door lock switch bezel.  
Release the trim panel retainers. Insert the Door Trim Pad and Garnish Clip Remover
Lift upward the trim panel.
Disconnect the wiring harness from the trim panel.
Disconnect the speaker connector, as necessary.

I Hope this helps.
Good Luck
Pawl

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Wow, thank you - with these detailed instructions, I feel confident that even I can do this! Do you happen to have a photo of this Door Trim Pad and Garnish Clip Remover so I know I will be getting the right tool for my Buick at the Napa or O'Reilley parts store?
Thanks again

Answer
Hi
try this...
http://www.autotoys.com/pics/doorpanelremovaltooldeluxe.jpg

It looks similar to a long handled flat balde srewdriver with a split in the center.

Her are some sub steps for

step one
Insert a small, flat-blade tool between the switch plate and the trim panel.
Disengage the switch plate retainer clips.
Lift the switch plate. FRONT FIRST.

step 2
Pry the lens outward .REAR FIRST
Pull the bulb outward to remove the lens.

step 6

Disconnect the negative battery cable.
Remove the fastener retaining the bezel to the trim panel.
Pull the door handle to the open position.
Pull the bezel over the door handle while disengaging the lock rod from the knob.
Disconnect the electrical connector.
Remove the bezel.

Thanks
Follow post back, if needed.