Inside driver door handle will not open the door

JAIME.ROCKETT79

MEMBER
1994 OLDSMOBILE CUTLASS
65,000 MILES

Mostly removed the inside door panel; haven’t removed any wiring yet. But the inside door handle will not open the door. I can see past the spring, and it looks like whatever connects handle to the rod/linkage (or whatever you call that thing) is broken in there. My question is, is there anything I can do without buying a whole new inside handle?

Wednesday, July 6th, 2022 AT 3:22 PM

3 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
110,052 POSTS

Hi,

If the linkage has just come disconnected, you can get the retainer clip and reattach it. However, if the handle itself has broken where it attaches to the linkage, it can't be repaired and will require replacement.

Take a look at pic 1 below. I circled the part I suspect has broken. If that is correct, replace the handle. I've seen them for under 10 dollars on eBay. If you do purchase one, make sure it is for the correct side. (Left/driver right/passenger)

If you take a pic of what happened and upload it for me to see, I may have some better suggestions.

Let me know.

Take care,

Joe

Image (Click to make bigger)

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

No

Wednesday, July 6th, 2022 AT 10:26 PM

JAIME.ROCKETT79

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Yes, that is it! Thank you so much Joe! I knew something had to connect the rod to hold it in place, I was just unable to see it. This is so great for regular (non-mechanic) people who tend to get lost! I am so grateful!

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

No

Saturday, July 9th, 2022 AT 9:16 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
110,052 POSTS

You are very welcome. I'm glad you got it figured out. Is everything working properly for you now?

Let me know. Also, please feel free to come back anytime in the future. You are always welcome here.

Take care,

Joe

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

No

Saturday, July 9th, 2022 AT 11:10 PM