1997 Park Ave Drivers Side Door Handle

[Greg5150]

I think something internal broke on my door handle. When you lift the handle to open the door nothing happens. My friend's Park Ave had the same problem a few years ago and I remember he had to buy a new door handle assembly and have it installed. My question for the board is how to replace the handle? I assume you have to take the inside door panel off. I welcome any tips on how to do this. Thanks

[formzy]

Is it the inside handle or the outside?

Most likely the inside handle breaks because of the soft metal holding the link bar to the latch. Sometimes it could also be a plastic clip that broke. If you can get the door panel off your half way home.

These panels have a couple of screws in various positions but otherwise pretty straightforward to remove. Remember they lift off with hook style clips or adapters different than the push pin style. The handle (inside) will probably need to have the two or three rivets(3/16") drilled out and then it just comes out. You can then rebolt the new handle back on or better yet get a rivet gun that can handle the 3/16" rivets(never to come loose with rivets).

Outside handle is bolted on from the inside. Self-explanatory when seen. Remove clips holding link bar to latch and replace..

Good Luck!

[Greg5150]

Thanks for the info. It is the outside door handle that is broken. When you lift it the door does not open so I think something internally broke.

[Greg5150]

The job was easy. Door panel very easy to remove & all you need to remove handle is a small 10mm wrench.