....is the biggest PITA I have ever experienced.
And then I find out that, yes, my driver door handle was indeed broken (return spring snapped), but only broke because the pivot clasp by the door release was rusted. I guess it really needs to pivot fairly freely so the downward motion on the bar pulls the lock far enough to release it.
The pressure was enough to break the spring at the handle after too many pulls.
Trying some penetration fluid to see if I can loosen it up so I don't have to replace the whole door latch mechanism.
At least I can now replace the handle on the passenger side. Works fine, but handle was all rusted up. New ones were cheap enough...it's the labor that kills you...
