2007 - Driver's Door Latch

[Steve Hartman]

Well I feel a little stupid! I've been trying to find a metal/chrome door handle for the inside driver's door handle. Now, after breaking two plastic handles I find no metal one; order another plastic one; pull off the panel and find it's not the handle at all! It's the cable in the latch mechanism.

So I go to Ebay. For MY latch it says 2002-2007! ? Really? A cross generational part? Well, CRAP!

OK, first question...

Getting to this latch and removing it from the inside is the pits! Would it be helpful to remove the outside door handle to remove the latch? Does it give me easier removability to take it out??

And my next question... It probably just the cale the runs rom the handle to the door that's bad or is it probably the whole latch? The reason I ask is because I have found a fix for the cable, if that's all it is.

If you can provide me a quick way to get it out, I have 10 used Expys at the auto wrecking yard that I can go through for a working latch. If not, Ebay sells one (OEM) for $80.

I would appreciate your advice and expertise!

Thank you

Steve in Montana

 

[Steve Hartman]

Well, I bought a latch from a wrecking yard. When I got it all metal connector rods from the latch were attached to it, as was the cable. Installing it was pretty much a snap! So, make a mental note. Leave all wires attached it if you pull your latch for any reason. The hardest part was fitting the snap ring back on to the outside door handle. Happy Days are here again!