Expert: William Forster - 4/6/2007

Question
I recently replaced the outside door handle on my truck and hooked everything up the same as the passenger side, I shut the door and now it won't open, luckily the door pad is still off, what can I do to get the door open and make the handle work right?

Answer
Blake, why did you replace the handle? It sounds like the handle push rod is not properly in place, and is jamming the release mechanism in the open position. For some reason, this jams them shut. Probably some sort of safety thing. You need to put the window down, remove the outside window belt strip. and get a light. Try to see what is going on while looking between the glass and the door skin. You might try fishing the part that the rod slides into back up with some sort of sturdy, hooked probe- like a piece of bent steel rod, at least 3/16 thick. Did you buy a GM handle? aftermarket silverado handles are JUNK JUNK JUNK!!!!!! They always need modified to fit, and bind against the window channel. Some even require you to place the lock cyl upside down! That requires turning the lock rod bracket up side down to compensate. It's ridiculous. If you manage to get it open, and its an aftermarket, take it back. Then run, don't walk, to the nearest GM dealer for a suitable replacement. If you can;t figure it out, take it to a pro. These things can be a real bear to get back open, even with the door panel off. The way the inside panel is screwed to the door makes it a real pain, and the bolt located in the jamb  doesn't help, either. Bill