Door Handle Replacement Issue

Greetings! I've cruised the forum for a solution to the issue I'm having, but haven't been able to come across it yet. I am doing a door handle replacement on my '07, but can't get the handles to catch on the opening mechanism (there is probably a better word for it). It's the little black piece that springs back when the door handle is pulled/released. I tried putting the stock handle back on, and it won't catch again either. Not sure if I'm just not pushing in far enough, though every thing looks to be back/over far enough. Any suggestions or help is greatly appreciated!

 

So what you are saying is that the door will not stay latched in the closed position, and will come open by just pulling on the door which makes it hard to drive as the door will open on its own?

 

No, it will close and latch, and the inside handle works great. The outside handle will stay out when pulled, and won't open the door.

 

I ran into the exact same problem with my 2007... I pulled it forward with my finger and used a long thin screwdriver to hold the spring loaded lever in place while I positioned the door handle. It took a few attempts, but I was finally able to get the door handle behind the lever before it sprang back. It's a real pain in the ass, but it is doable.

 

I've thought of doing that too, or using some fishing line to hold it while I slide the handle in. Was hoping it wouldn't come to that though. All the videos make it look so easy! Not sure why it doesn't just slip in behind it.

 

The videos and any instructions that I read make no mention of this spring loaded lever.

 

Agreed. I scoured the internet last night looking for a remedy, or anyone else that experienced it, and came up empty. Thankfully I started with the passenger side and not on the driver's door. My 20 minute project turned into an hour and half of cussing and a pissed off wife lol.

 

Much better than a pissed on wife.

Well, I guess that depends on what you're into.

 

Thanks guys! This post saved. me in my rig last night. Used braided fishing line to loop though to pull the spring down. Worked great!