outside door handle stuck

[skubasteve]

I replaced my door handle carrier today with help from this thread. Here are a few lessons learned (sorry if these are repeats...I didn't read every post in the thread):

- When removing the lock, instead of prying it loose from the outside I was able to reach around back inside the door and push the lock out...no scratching of paint or damaged trim using this method

- Definitely remove the bolt (#19) from the handle, as recommended. I removed the nut but left the bolt in place, thinking it wouldn't be a problem. It shifted towards the front of the car and caused interference with the door panel. I wasted about 45 minutes figuring it out

- I wish I had looked into replacing the two gaskets on the exterior of the door (#12 and #13); mine are 12 years old and it would have required no extra work to replace them

- Be careful reinstalling the hex bolt into the lock. There are a few folks on here who reported difficulty; I didn't understand why until I tried it. You've got to pay attention and line things up carefully in order to get the bolt threaded properly. I'm pretty sure I cross-threaded my lock

[jgold47]

Originally Posted by skubasteve

- Be careful reinstalling the hex bolt into the lock. There are a few folks on here who reported difficulty; I didn't understand why until I tried it. You've got to pay attention and line things up carefully in order to get the bolt threaded properly. I'm pretty sure I cross-threaded my lock

Or drop it into the depths of the door. I just got mine out 6 months of rattling later.

[Bouchedag84]

I finally got it after about 40 attempts. What was happening (I think) is that the screw that holds the career to the handle (near the twist lock thingy) was not sliding completely to towards the end of the door. When it slid all the way, it kind of popped into place. I finished putting it all back together but I think I left a trim tool in the door itself haha. Oops