ok, so i took off my door handles to paint them (came out really good, check out the gallery), and when i re-installed them i did it exaclty how they were before i removed them. now the doors wont open at all! when i tried to get out of the car neither door would open even though they were unlocked, so i had to call someone to open my hatch so i could get out. please someone know how to fix this!

 

when you removed them, there was a dogbone shaped piece of nylon that came out that must be in the same spot that it was when it came out.

when you pull the handle, the dogbone turns and it pops the catch.

its white nylon and it has 2 or 4 nubs on each end (its been a while since i had my door handles off)

 

just weld them puppies shut and paint a general lee on the roof!

 

this morning i managed to get the weather striping off the drivers door and take a peek, i did re-install the wire onto the "dogbone shaped" nylon connector. the doors worked fine before i went anywhere from the garage, but once i had started driving and the auto-lock locked the doors, i think thats where the problem lies. any other suggestions while i try and open the door, guys?

 

Ha! I love that!

 

thank you to all who did try and help, but it turned out i forgot to take out the cardboard piece used to prop the handle open for masking and that was causing the problem. all good now

 

those handles look professional.

 

For future reference - there's a cord you can pull under your rear seat if you get locked in your car. It opens the hatch.

mb