Removal Procedure

NOTE: Refer to Tape Corners of Panel Notice in Cautions and Notices.

Place tape around the handle to protect the paint.

IMPORTANT: The outside door handles have adjustable handle-to-lock rods. This allows for adjustment of the amount of travel needed to operate the outside door handle.
It is important to remove all free play between the outside handle and the lock. Do NOT operate the outside handle before you have made these adjustments.

Remove the front door trim panel. Refer to Trim Panel Replacement - Side Front Door (Aztek) or Trim Panel Replacement - Side Front Door (Rendezvous) .
Remove the water deflector. Refer to Water Deflector Replacement - Front Door .

Fig 1: View Of Outside Door Handle Rod-To-Lock

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Disconnect the outside door handle rod-to-lock.

Fig 2: Removing Center Of Rivet With Punch

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Remove the center of the rivets using a center punch.

Fig 3: Removing Rivet With Drill

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Drill out the rivet from the front outside door handle using a 6.35-mm (1/4-in) drill bit.

Fig 4: View Of Door Handle

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Remove the outside door handle from the front door.
Remove the outside door handle from the door handle rod.