Folks,

My driver's side rear door's exterior handle does not work. Shortly before it failed completely, I had to lift it all the way up and it would open door at the last millimeter, accompanyed by a screeching sound.

Sprayed WD 40 on it, and it stopped working altogether. have to open that door from inside.
Any ideas on what it could be? I assume some sort of rod disconnected itself.

Anyway, to get at the innards, I would I have to remove the whole interior door panel. Is this a major hassle, esp. replacing the panel correctly?

One DIY repair thing I saw had you disconnecting all electrical items (some held in by clips or such). Is that absolutely necessary?

 

Welcome.
First, you better tell us what car you're talking about.
Second, I'm moving this to General Tech where it belongs.

 

Sorry folks. It's the drivers side rear door handle that doesn't work.

Is getting door panel off/on a major hassle (has power locks and windows)?
Looks doable in Haynes manual, tho photos are for driver's door.
Don't want to screw it up!

 

Its not too bad to remove.