2000 Buick Park Avenue driver side door handle linkage broken

[rhblackburn]

The outside driver side door handle moves freely as if it is not making contact with the mechanism to open the door. I removed the inside door panel and black weather stripping and felt around but it is a tight fit. At this point I am a little intimidated since I don't have a lot of car repair experience. I really need to take more apart to see what's broken. I see two bolts that look like they are holding the handle itself in place into the door itself and that would be my next plan of attack. Any advice on disassembling the door to further investigate and any recommendations on fixing this problem would be very helpful. thanks, Robert

[inafogg]

Originally Posted by rhblackburn

The outside driver side door handle moves freely as if it is not making contact with the mechanism to open the door. I removed the inside door panel and black weather stripping and felt around but it is a tight fit. At this point I am a little intimidated since I don't have a lot of car repair experience. I really need to take more apart to see what's broken. I see two bolts that look like they are holding the handle itself in place into the door itself and that would be my next plan of attack. Any advice on disassembling the door to further investigate and any recommendations on fixing this problem would be very helpful. thanks, Robert

it sounds like you have the right plan,but with the panel & plastic off
you should be able to see if the linkage has disconnected.it may have
come off the handle or latch.check what end has come off,you probably
need a new linkage connector they do brake especially if someone used a slim jim

[rhblackburn]

just had to say a real thanks. you gave me the motivation to get in there. went to the hardware store and got the 10mm socket and got the handle off and found the problem. the plastic arm that releases the door is broken off. I'll have to order a new door handle but this saved me a few hundred bucks. thank you!!

[inafogg]

Originally Posted by rhblackburn

just had to say a real thanks. you gave me the motivation to get in there. went to the hardware store and got the 10mm socket and got the handle off and found the problem. the plastic arm that releases the door is broken off. I'll have to order a new door handle but this saved me a few hundred bucks. thank you!!

great to hear plus the money you saved & the feeling of sucess
good job!!!