Interior door handle 1999 Suburban won't open door

[bweissglass]

Hi. In my 1999 Suburban, the driver's door handle won't open the door. The handle moves through its normal range of motion without any resistence, etc. It just won't open. I can put the window down and open it using the outside handle without any problem. It will lock and unlock normally using the remote or the key. 2 other doors need an actuator replaced (what a surprise, huh!), but that acts like a totally different problem. Before I remove the door panel and wish I had bought a part or two first, any ideas as to what this is??

Thanks,
Barry Weissglass

[idmetro]

Just a SWAG here but on my older sub there are plastic clips that hold an actuator rod in place (one at the door handle the other at the latch mechanism) I'd guess that one of them has broken allowing the rod to come loose at one end or the other thus no lonner working the latch mechanism when you pull the handle.

[SunBurb]

Looks like you'll have to pull the door panel to see for sure. Mine was going on my 96 then it just broke completely causing me to replace the inner door handle. if that's the case, see this thread...

http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbul...d.php?t=544840

[Ketch]

had a problem with driver side rear where the rivet holding the assembly broke, a common problem well documented here. Pull panel (invest in a panel rivet pop off tool for 10 bucks) and see inside. If its that, you can drill out the remaining rivet and replace with small sheet metal screw.