97 Z71 - Driver's door won't open from inside

The driver's side door of my '97 Sierra won't open from the inside. It opens from the outside just fine but not from inside. When I pull the handle, you can hear it inside the door but it won't open. I'm going to tear it down in the next couple of days. What should I look for?

There is a piece of plastic on the handle that the linkage goes into, it's very common for it to break. If that is all it is, there is only one screw to remove, no need to take the door panel off. If it's never been replaced before, there is a rivet you have to drill out. You will either need a new rivet or I prefer a self-taping sheetmetal screw.

wow funny thing is, my 97' silverado just did that this week. I have no Idea where I'm to look for the problem?

J-Ri,

What is it that we're looking for with the latch repair?

Well, assuming that it is broken where it usually breaks...

There is a plastic piece that sticks out the back of the inside handle that the latch rod snaps into. It usually breaks right at the base. It's been awhile since I've done one, but I think you can see the rod with only the cover removed. Pull on the handle while the cover is off, and if the rod doesn't move, take the handle off and check it. You may also be able to see it with an inspection mirror, but I usually just take the handle off.

what part of the cover comes off? the little plastic piece behind the handle or the whole panel?

It's been a while since I've done one, too. Go buy a new one from the dealer and take a look at it. Most dealers carry an ample supply of these in various colors because they break all the time. If I remember right, when I did one I took the whole interior door panel off. Maybe I didn't have too, but it does give you good access. It is not a hard job and its amazing how worn out and sloppy feeling the old ones get before they break completely.

I did the inside handle on my 96 chevy. I bought the handle with the plastic piece behind the handle as a unit at AutoZone I think for less than $20. I pulled the door panel off but not completely as I did not want to disconnect the electrical components for the windows and door locks. Just pulled it of enough to gain access to the door handle. This is a pretty easy job once you get into it.