I have a 2004 Accord, 4 door. A few days ago, my exterior driver side door handle stopped working. Physically, it moves just fine, but it doesn't actually open the door regardless if the door lock is open or closed. FYI, a few weeks ago my power door lock motor on the driver door stopped working, so I had that replaced and I had no issues until now. The door locks and unlocks just fine, both by manually pulling the lock lever on top of the door and with the electric locks. Also, the interior door handle works without issue. Yesterday, I was opening my window, and I heard something that sounded like it was "falling" inside of the door - FYI my power window still works fine without issue. And everything else with the door still works fine except for the exterior handle.

So before it's pulled apart figured out, is there any part I would need to buy to replace? Or is it an issue of just a rod or something inside fell off and needs to be put back? The car is my daily driver, so I just want to be prepped when I get it opened up so I have minimal down time. Thank you.

 

Most likely a rod was disconnected. It could be a broken plastic clip holding in the rod. You won't know until you take the door panel off and inspect.

The nice thing is that you can leave the door panel removed and have a functional door/vehicle. You would have to remove the door switch from the door panel.