97 Tahoe Door Problem

[tahoenwisconsin]

Hello All-

The inside latch on my drivers side front door will not open the door. I have had trouble opening it the last few days but thought the lock just needed to be greased until this morning. I pull the latch to open the door and.....nothing! I'm sure it's a spring or connector of some sort that has broken but have no knowledge on openiong up the door panel and didn't want to do any more damage so I figured I'd consult the experts.

The door still opens from the outside but winter in Wisconsin doesn't make that a fun option every time I need to get out of the vehicle.

Any help on opening the door cover or a diagram or anything else I may need to fix this is greatly appreciated.

[2000CAYukon]

This might help: http://www.lmctruck.com/icatalog/csd/0012.asp

//2000CAYukon

[sprucegoose]

Originally Posted by tahoenwisconsin

I'm sure it's a spring or connector of some sort that has broken but have no knowledge on openiong up the door panel and didn't want to do any more damage so I figured I'd consult the experts.

Well, I can assure you that it is the door handle itself. I have replaced both of my front ones already. Just did the pass side about a month ago... The cheap diecast metal fatigues & cracks, and then it flexes enough so it wont pull the rod far enough. Soon you'll pull it right off! They are about $30 at the Chevy dealer, probably less at online places like www.gmpartsdirect.com

If you search the forum for door handle or something like that, I'm sure you'll find more detail on getting the panel off and doing the job. I remember adding that once before... Good luck!

[markdpro]

The handle is in an assembly that is fairly easy to replace. Taking off the door panel is the hardest part. Get a good manual and work carefully to pry all the fasteners and connectors and the little speaker loose. You need the manual to show you where to pry.

Once panel is off, drill the rivet holding the handle assembly and slide it then pull it free. The control rods are pressed into fasteners in the assembly. pull them free. Then reassemble.

The kit I got was the wrong colour so I slipped the broken part out and replaced it with the appropriate new part discarding the rest of the asssembly.

This is a two hour job. You need patience and a manual. a pop riveter will help the reassemble but you can use a sheet metal screw.

The wiring harnesses in the door take real patience to dissassemble.

You can do this and the fix is 100%

Take your time.