Removing driver's door latch - I'm stuck

[mck159]

Hello,

I almost removed my driver side door latch (it's not working, need to replace it), but I'm stuck on last cable, don't know how to unconnect it. Just pull as hard as I can (I didn't want to do this without asking).

Here is the photos of this little piece (2 photo, that pipe-like looking cable that is in that plastic part). It's cable that connect external door handle with latch/actuator.

 

[stupot67]

Hi,
Looking at the 2nd photo, you need to pop the cable out by putting a small screwdriver into the open end and lever it upwards towards the 1 O'clock position in your photo.
They pop out quite easily, they will pop out by hand but it's easier to get at it with a screwdriver.
Good luck.
Stu.

 

[mck159]

Just pry it with flat screwdriver (blue arrows are motion of screwdriver and desired motion of this plastic)? I won't damage it and this is how it should be done?


Sorry for crappy quality of drawing, it don't know why, but I cannot find any good mspaint like tool for linux

 

[stupot67]

Yeah that's the idea, levering down will release one side (It clips in either side of a centre "locator" to stop the cable from pulling thru), the other side you will be able to push off with your thumb..
Stu.

 

[mck159]

You are 100% sure about this? I'm trying to pry really hard both with screwdriver or fingers and I don't see any result it's still there Don't want to break anything

 

[stupot67]

Yep, it's just a plastic barrel bonded to the end of the cable that clips in 2 places along it's length into the door latch release lever. It really is no more complicated than that - If you feel you are using too much force, try removing the whole catch mechanism (You need to remove the door handle 1st) and have a closer look at what is happening.
Stu.

 

[stupot67]

I knew I had an old door latch mechanism knocking around the garage, take a look at the vid link.
Stu.
https://youtu.be/2Rdclkx0E-0

 

[mck159]

Thanks a lot, bruteforce prying was right solution. For people who find this thread when having the same problem: you don't need to remove exterior handle to replace actuator/latch