Passenger Door Handle Problem

[nansumner]

Hello all. I am having trouble with the passenger door handle on my '93 Del Sol. I can open the door from the inside, but not from the outside. I do not feel the normal click that you feel when you pull the outside handle to open the door. The door will lock although this is really not an issue since it can't be opened from the outside. Any ideas as to what needs to be replaced? Also, how difficult a task is fixing this? If it's beyond my skill level, who should I take it to...a body shop, a regular mechanic, the Honda dealership (HORRORS!!)?

Thanks in advance for responses.

[45slade]

There are a couple of ways the outside handle can become non-functional. It is possible the rod from the latch to the handle has come loose. It is also possible that the handle has some part broken. Either of these will require that you at least remove the door panel to look at the problem. If the connecting rod is loose, you may need to replace the spring clip that holds it in place.

A broken handle may be repaired (my drivers door handle had pulled the pivot pin out of the plastic housing because of some corrosion. Freed up the corroded part and gorrilla-glued the pin back in the housing and it was fine.) They are also available online from several parts suppliers that specialize in Del Sols, in the appropriate body colors. You might even find a used one on CL.