driver door latch kaput!

[tafkap32]

Hey all,
i have a 98 1.6 EL with no majot complaints thus far

i got out of my car and shut the door and heard a strange metal rattle not good. so i get my Timmies and try to get back in and theres no tension on the latch! something broke loose.
Now luckily it hasnt affected the inside latch, as i could open the passenger door, lean over and open my driver door from the in side and then go back around and open it like i wadnt embarassed.

any idead for a DIY repair, or do i have to slide in like the Duke boys before I end up paying $$$?

thanks!

[tafkap32]

Ok im really confused. ive read alot of reports on how to remove a door panel, but it doesnt fit the description of my door.
first of all i only have one screw behind the lever, and i removed that..nothing loosened

secondly the door handle doesnt have screws that i can find and i loaked all around and under it. it has about 5 clip things which i un hinged with a flat head screwdriver...again nothing loosened. i took a screwdriver and ran it under the edge of the panel all around the edges to feel any clips, nothing, it slid all the way around.

i have no idea where the clips are and i dont want to yank the handle off as all the window and lock control are connected to it.

again i have a 98 EL premium 1.6 l

any help?!

[BLEXV6]

[quote=tafkap32]Ok im really confused. ive read alot of reports on how to remove a door panel, but it doesnt fit the description of my door.
first of all i only have one screw behind the lever, and i removed that..nothing loosened

secondly the door handle doesnt have screws that i can find and i loaked all around and under it. it has about 5 clip things which i un hinged with a flat head screwdriver...again nothing loosened. i took a screwdriver and ran it under the edge of the panel all around the edges to feel any clips, nothing, it slid all the way around.

i have no idea where the clips are and i dont want to yank the handle off as all the window and lock control are connected to it.

again i have a 98 EL premium 1.6 l

Even when the screws are removed, there are still clips (plastic), that attach the panel to the metal door. Guaranteed that if you are removing the panel, that you will snap at least a few of these. Bottom line, it's tough to remove and then re-install and have the door panel fit well. I have never done an EL, but have done it with an Accord. I know it costs money, but the dealer may be necessary as they know the car and will likely do it right.

[TeLLY]

Behind the door handle (not the latch) you'll find another pair of gold screws. You have to pull off a piece of plastic trim (the outermost piece of the handle) to get at them. Once those are out, pry out the little triangle piece opposite the door mirror, then you can pull the door trim out from the door. If you're local to the Brampton or Toronto area holla at me, I've undone plenty of doors, usually only takes me a couple of minutes to get the panel off.

[TLontheDL]

ive never worked on your car but you unscrew the screws, then you take your fingers or what i use is a flathead screwdriver and place it behind the panel. Don't be afraid to pull apart the panel from the door frame - it will just snap out but dont pull it apart too far...just until it snaps open. once the snaps are all undone, lift the panel upwards but not too far up. then you unclip the motors to the window and the door light.

as far as the handle latch, its happened in my tl also. there is a spring that popped out of place. the spring should still be inside your door.