Door Handle Tech
On the second generation cars, a common problem is the door handle tearing, or breaking all together. This leaves very
little of it left that works to actually open the door. The handles are held in place by two nuts, and there is a cam
connecting the handle to the door latch itself. To remove and install a replacement handle, the door panel must be
removed.
The Steps
Remove the armrest and door panels
Remove the protective paper covering, seperating the door panel from the door
You can then access the door handle with the window being all the way up or all the way down. I found myself raising the
window up and down a few times as I worked the handle loose.
Remove the clip, or slide it upward on the door handle, so it can be pulled away from the cam attached to the latch. From
this point the cam may simple pop loose and fall to the bottom of the door.
Remove the broken door handle.
Install the replacement door handle and with a few turns, attach the nuts
to hold it in place (Don't forget the rubber
gasket between the handle and the door). Do not tighten until the
cam is back in place. You will need this bit of play to re-clip the cam into
place.
Once the clip is in place, you can continue to tighten the nuts that hold the handle in place.
Test to make sure it works.
While the panel is off, you should take the time to vacuum debris from the door, this type of stuff clogs up the drain
holes and will let water sit in the door and cause rust. You can easily see the drain holes and free them up.
Do put the paper protective seperator piece back in place on the door.
No matter its condition, it still protects the
panel. On mine, I had to mend it in a few places with tape. For future servicing of the door, I put the paper in place
with painters masking tape (not very adhesive) so next time it is easy to remove.
Replacement Handle
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Inside view of handle bolts (from top of door).
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Panel back on.
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