Friday while loading the car for a trip I noticed the rear door handle was protruding. I pushed it back in and thought nothing of it since we had had a warm rain followed by a quick freeze and doors on both of my cars were frozen shut. After a 200 mile drive I unloaded the car with no issues. Today I went to open that door and the handle extended but did not open the door and now remains extended. I can only open the door from the inside and the exterior handle remains extended.

I looked in the service manual (section 76.58.07) which covers the front door (no section for the rear door but I assume its the same). Directions are a little confusing.

I see that the inner panel has to come off. After that the lock and then the handle are removed (not sure what's holding them) Anyone experience this problem and are parts required for the fix.

Repair manual procedure (I couldn't figure how to include the diagrams)

Exterior Door Handle (76.58.07)
Removal
1 . Remove the interior front door trim panel. <<501-05>>
2 . Detach the door wiring harness.
3 . Disconnect the electrical connectors.
4 . Detach the door wiring harness grommet.
5 . Remove the door inner weathershield.
6 . Remove the front door lock bezel.
1) Hold the exterior door handle in the open position.
2) Remove the front door lock bezel.
7 . Release and hold the exterior door handle retaining clip.
8 . Remove the exterior door handle.
1) Release the exterior door handle.
2) Remove the exterior door handle.

Installation
1 . To install, reverse the removal procedure.

 

This happens when the exterior handle is pulled too hard.


The tab on on the handle that operates the latch mechanism inside has come past it.
Best way to fix is to take door panel off. Take access panel off for window regulator. Then you should see the latch mechanism. I've been able to bend them back, carefully, but you may need to replace it.

 

The exterior handle is connected to the actuator with round steel rod.

A two part plastic clip on the actuator clamps on to the rod.

It sounds like the clip is slipping.
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