[pont406]

Hi, got an 89 GP and the drivers door won't open from the outside handle, it opens fine from the inside, the outer handle doesn't appear broken, it pivots and moves the linkage rod up and down, and the rod is connected on the latch inside the door, (i checked it, pulled the lower door panel and reached in to feel if it was disconnected) I know these cars were known for breaking the door handles so what up with this one? does the linkage rod bend on these to where it causes insufficent travel?

[heff]

it could be disconnected near the latch, and maybe you're feeling the rod that attaches to the door lock? it's a really tight gap between the lock rod and the handle rod, and i've seen the rods completely fall off and hit the bottom of the door, but that doesn't sound like your case. also, the bottom clip should be a two piece clip, one clips in the latch, then a lock goes over the rod and has two tabs that lock it in, maybe it's loose there

[mike nixon]

The rod's bent in the door.

Mike

[Pontiacdaver]

There should be a counterweight at the bottom of the handle, it gives the handle enough weight to pop the latch. That is what usually breaks, the handles will still pull but not enough to make the door latch release.

Don't try to get a new handle at a junkyard, if they have any, they usually want too much for them. The company I work for sells them for $17.95 new (you get the whole thing; the panel with handle visible between the windows and the parts below). We ship Nationwide, so if you can't find anything closer and at a similar price, let me know.

Dave