The driver's side door handle on my 1989 Chevy S10 Blazer won't open the door...it feels loose (as if someone was trying to yank it off to steal the truck) and won't engage the latch release. I have to open the door from the inside via the passenger entrance. Is it likely that the part of the handle that connects to the latch can be reattached or must the whole handle be replaced? How easy is it to remove the door panel to get to the lock?
Spidey,
This is an incredibly common problem. Go to parts store, and purchase new (crappy) replacement handle. These are made of crappy pot metal, and they break frequently. Take the interior door panel off, back off the screws holding the handle on (it's obvious) remove the arms from the handle, replace with new blah blah blah. It's pretty obvious once you get the door apart. I think I paid $12 or so for my last handle. I've begun to debate just keeping a spare on hand, as I've replaced 6 total in 8 years. It's a crappy design, amplified by using poor quality metal to make the handles.
Big Chris
On the new handle, coat the breaking point areas with J&B weld and fiber glass screen mesh. I did this on a broken handle which last till today.
-- Burt
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