Can't open driver door.

[kaiser1one]

Hey all I just found this site today and I had a question.

As the title says I can't open the door. Awhile ago something broke inside the door. I opened the side of it up and found something that looked like a broken weight of some sorts. I have no clue of this things name.

From what I can gather, when I pull the latch to open the door on the outside it would move it into a slot and that slot would move the mechanism to open the door.

Ok so here's my question. Can anyone tell me the name of this part and if its capable of being fixed by myself? Or would I need to go to a dealer?

[richtazz]

It would help to post the year and whether your car is a 2 door or 4-door, as it makes a difference as to what the problem could be.

[kaiser1one]

Just realized when I woke up I forgot to mention the car I had. Sorry.

95 Pontiac Grand Prix SE, 2-door.

Also I can open the door, I just have to do it from the inside by going to the passenger side door.

[richtazz]

Ok, there are two known issues with the 2-door version of your year Grand Prix.

The first is the outside door handle itself. The OEM ones are made of a cast metal, and the lever that pulls the rod breaks off. This will require replacement of the handle as they can't be repaired.

The second issue is the rod that runs from the outside door handle to the latch. This rod has multiple bends, and with age, they bend further causing the overall length of the rod to decrease. This doesn't allow the rod to fully disengage the latch. If this is the problem, you can slightly re-straighten each bend to effectively lengthen the rod.

[kaiser1one]

I'm thinking I have that first problem. I pull the handle on the outside and its completely free of resistance.

So I have to replace the handle then???? But wouldn't that just be replacing the handle and nott hat piece that broke off inside the door?

[richtazz]

Most likely, the piece that broke off inside the door is part of the outside handle. I believe Dorman or Motormite makes an aftermarket door handle for your car, so you don't have to get bent over by the dealer for the replacement part. Check with your local auto parts store for availability. The Dorman part number is 77170 (I figured I'd save you the legwork and headaches of a parts-monkey trying to find it for you)

[kaiser1one]

I'm seeing parts that only fit a coupe model and other that just say they fit 2-door models only, plus its a Dorman. So would that be the part I should get?

Cause I know I don't have a Coupe model.

[richtazz]

If you have a 2-door, you have a coupe.

Coupe= 2-door
Sedan= 4-door

[kaiser1one]

Oh I DO have a coupe model. Geez guess I've been reading things wrong then.

[kaiser1one]

Ok took a little longer than I thought to get here but I finally got the handle and got it on.

Thanks a lot. I was going nuts wondering If I'd have to shell out alot of money taking this to a dealer.