I have a 96 camaro, and the driver's side door handle won't open the car. I have tried opening the interior panel to the door to see if I can fix this, but the interior sheet metal is cut with only two or three holes. I understand that the exterior door (skin), has to be removed to fix anything in the door. Can anybody help me get my driver's side door to open normally?

Thank you.

It sound like the door lock rod or the arm on the door lock/latch itself is disconnected. Usually the rods are held in place with plastic clips. Over time these clips become brittle and snap. When this happens the rod that connects the outside handle to the door lock/latch becomes disconnected. Or the arm on the lock/latch has come off for some reason. Call a salvage yard in your area to see if the part is available used (cheaper) before you throw down for brand new ($$).

The whole thing can be done from inside (mostly by feel). A high quality flashlight is crucial.

The exterior skin doesn't come off.

There has been times when I've made my own holes in doors to access the damn thing. A hole saw is all it took. Some repair manuals say this is mandatory. Ford comes to mind on this one.
Ditto on the crucial flashlight. A must have!! Just don't button up the door panel and forget you left it in there like I have... DOH!

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Originally Posted by kitch428

There has been times when I've made my own holes in doors to access the damn thing. A hole saw is all it took. Some repair manuals say this is mandatory. Ford comes to mind on this one.
Ditto on the crucial flashlight. A must have!!! Just don't button up the door panel and forget you left it in there like I have...DOH!

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You make holes on the inside of the door, after the inner panel is off, right? I hope...

Just don't take out the areas that secure the parts to the door.

Ah... yeah, Rich. The only holes on the outside of the door are the one made by the road salt. That's when I used to live in the great white north. :rolleyes: