A door latch is something you rarely think about--that is until it breaks. A door latch that won't securely close is a safety hazard, and one which doesn't open is an inconvenience. Replacement door latches for your Chevrolet Camaro, however, are readily available, and replacing one requires only a few simple tools and a couple of hours.
Disconnect the ground cable from the negative battery terminal.
Remove the door lock pull knob.
Use special tool J-9886 or equivalent to remove the window crank. Insert the tool between the window crank and the door panel and spread the two clip arms. Pull off the window crank.
Remove the door latch decorative plate, by using a Phillips head screwdriver to remove the screws. Disconnect the control rod from the rear of the handle assembly and then remove the handle.
Remove the screws that retain the armrest. Depending on the year of your vehicle there will be one or two in the armrest pull cup, and one beneath the front of the armrest.
Use a flat blade screwdriver to pry out the electric window switch and disconnect the wiring harness, if your vehicle is so equipped.
Remove any exposed screws that secure the door trim panel to the door frame.
Use a flat blade screwdriver or flat paint scraper to separate the door trim panel from the door frame. Slide the tool in between the trim panel and the metal door frame. Slide the tool around the edge of the trim panel until you hit a plastic clip and then pull straight out until the clip disengages. Continue around the edge of the trim panel until all of the clips are removed. Remove the door trim panel.
Reinstall the window handle without the retaining clip and roll the window up.
Reach through the access hole in the interior door skin and disconnect the connecting rod at the lock, by rotating the retention clip and pulling it off the rod.
Unscrew the three latch retention screws located in the door jam at the rear of the door. Remove the latch assembly through the access hole in the interior door panel.
Slide the latch assembly into position and reinstall the three retention screws.
Reconnect the connecting rod to the door lock by raising the rod into position and rotating the retention clip.
Align the plastic trim panel clips with slots in the door frame and reinstall the door panel.
Reinstall any screws that retain the door trim panel.
Reconnect the electric window switch to its harness and press the switch back into the door trim panel, if equipped.
Reinstall the armrest retention screws.
Reconnect the door latch handle and connecting rod.
Reinstall the door latch cover panel and retention screws.
Insert the window crank retention clip in the small slot in the window handle then slide the handle onto the regulator shaft.
Reinstall the door lock pull knob.
Reconnect the ground cable to the negative battery terminal.
