1998 Chevy Tahoe passenger side door handle won't open from the inside. Please help!

[Brett74]

Okay, so here's the latest. I finally got some free time to work on it tonight. Picked up a door panel tool from the Zone and got the harnesses unplugged. I almost got the panel completely off when I realized that plastic trim piece around the interior handle needed to come off too. Problem is now I can't seem to get that piece off. It comes off from the top, bottom, and right side but the left of it is stuck. Any advice on getting this piece off without breaking the hell out of it?

 

[SunlitComet]

I would like to say three side come out first and that it pivots on the fourth. Not really sure.

 

[youknowmyname67]

i would bet on a the stretched rod like cody08 said.... I replaced my inner passenger handle a few days ago and i am still having the issue opening from the inside.... i know its all done right in order for the handle to open the door from the inside i have to pull it as hard as i can and it still tends to not want to release i have to put my shoulder into the door.... with the door open i manually close the latch and pull the handle and pop the latch open with my finger.... if you could let me know what you find out i am about to replace the rod.

 

[TigerEyz3]

Brett74...The handle "frame" has tabs that push in all around (no pivot). Stick a flathead screwdriver in and you'll be home free - try starting with the left side (I know, it's the hardest tab to find).

youknowmyname67...sounds like something's not adjusted right - did you install the inside handle properly and secure it? Sounds like the "throw" is off. Did you secure the handle where the factory rivot was located?

 

[youknowmyname67]

Brett74...The handle "frame" has tabs that push in all around (no pivot). Stick a flathead screwdriver in and you'll be home free - try starting with the left side (I know, it's the hardest tab to find).

youknowmyname67...sounds like something's not adjusted right - did you install the inside handle properly and secure it? Sounds like the "throw" is off. Did you secure the handle where the factory rivot was located?

yes i secured the handle i did all 4 handles in my truck its just the passenger side having a problem took it off and did it another time... still having issues with it only thing that it looks like when doing it or makes sense is the handle isnt pulling the rod enough to release the latch fully so i dont know for sure whats wrong with it i just planned on getting a new rod and putting it in

 

[TigerEyz3]

Have you tried bending/straightening the existing rod? Might be all that you need...

 

[youknowmyname67]

Have you tried bending/straightening the existing rod? Might be all that you need...

I havent tried to bend it/straighten it..... i needed to pull it back a hair to get it into the right position to snap into the handle seems a little long as where the rest were at position all i had to do was press it into the clip

 

[busafreak]

I had the same problem with my driver door. Same issue, everything works as it should, but the door wont open. After checking all the movements and changing the handle with no luck, i finally figured out its not the handle rod or the handle thats causing the problem. Its the lock unlock rod. If not perfect it acts locked even if unlocked. The rod is stretched. At the handle side i bent the lock/unlock rod towards me. I also greased up the up and down lock/ unlock movement on the handle..
Reinstalled and works like new..

 

[youknowmyname67]

I had the same problem with my driver door. Same issue, everything works as it should, but the door wont open. After checking all the movements and changing the handle with no luck, i finally figured out its not the handle rod or the handle thats causing the problem. Its the lock unlock rod. If not perfect it acts locked even if unlocked. The rod is stretched. At the handle side i bent the lock/unlock rod towards me. I also greased up the up and down lock/ unlock movement on the handle..
Reinstalled and works like new..

if i understand you right (you bent the rod towards you) you put a bow in the middle of the rod correct? pushed the middle of the rod bar away from you making a rainbow like shape right?

 

[busafreak]

It already sorta has a bend like 2" from the end. Not the middle..