Passenger door will not open from inside

[Johnny Driver]

1997 Chevy C-1500 Sierra 3door extra cab 2wheel drive. The passenger door will not open from the inside. Started intermittantly then one day would not open. Inside handle works fine and the door will lock automatically and manually. Can only open from outside handle...any ideas?

[Wyley87]

linkage from inside door handle is probably loose or has came off, have you ever replace the door handle on that side?

[Johnny Driver]

No, I have not replaced the door handle and from what it looks like it is the original one.

[mrjohnwayne]

my bet is it is the inside door handle. they have a habit of bending, breaking etc... real easy to pull off and check out to make sure. remove trim (pops off) and there is only 1 or 2 bolts (can't remember) and door handle comes out.

[Wyley87]

ok well theres only one way to check to see if its the linkage and you gotta remove the door panel to do it. know how?

[Johnny Driver]

Don't really know how but I am going to find out! Guess it is time to go out into the 100+ Texas heat and get er' done. Any advice will be greatly
appreciated.

[64shortbed]

sound like to me the handle broke we do them all the time at work.

to remove the door panel you should have a trim remover tool but... if not a good flathead scewdriver will work. you well also need a philips screwdriver.

door panel removal (be carefull and take your time dont force it)

1. remover the 2 screws from the arm rest
2. remove trim around door handle (snaps on use a small flat srewdriver work you way around it between handle and trim should be 4 tabs that hold it on)
3. remove triangle piece (it covers the nuts for the out side mirror) on the top of the door panel use flat screwdriver or (trim tool) it has one tree clip
4. remove window switch panel (should pop up at the back of it if i remember right you my skip this step but it is easyer to unplug it this way then to do it after you remove the door panel)
5. unplug switchs(good idea to have window rolled down first)
6. start at bottom of the door panel and slide flat screwdiver (trim tool) in between door and panel
7. start poping the tree clips out (usually push out taward the door with screwdriver (trim tool)
8. after you work your way across the bottom work your way up the sides
9. once there all out you can remove the door panel by lifting up a little so it will come out of the window seal area.
10. unplug the door light and you have removed the door panel

im sure thats all the steps but just be carefull and donot force it i may have forgoten a screw but i cant remember

if you break some tree clips replace them they are cheep and you can buy them at any parts store you can also buy the handle from ant good parts store in the color you need if not the standard is grey

now the handle

1. door panel removed drill out the 1 rivit and slide the handle forward.
2. undo linkages and you have removed the handle

its wise the re revit the handle but i have used hex head screws to hold them in place to because i dont have a big rivit gun

[Wyley87]

ok well since you've never done this be for heed my working DON"T FORCE IT!!! there remove the door triangle first with a little tug it should just pop off. also the bezel around the handle must be removed carefully with a flat head screw driver. also there are 2 screws where the "U" handle is. after all that carefully pry the door panel off the door becareful not to brake the little plastic clip things. if you get frusterated go inside where the ac is have a glass of water cool down, collect your thoughts and try again.

good luck

[Wyley87]

**** beat me to it

[64shortbed]

sorry lol