im having a little trouble with my door handle on my right side front passenger door.. i pull the handle and let go but it doesnt snap back like the other 3.. can some one shed some light on what can be broken there... i know i need to get my mechanical door locks working cuz the vacuum system is fine (minus the trunk and fuel filler they dont lock)

Assuming you mean the interior handle?

Does it pop back into position with slight pressure? If so it may just need to be lubed. If not, and you have to actually push it back into position one the return spring in the latch mechanism may be broke or dislodged. Done any "in the door" work lately?

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Mike Tangas
'73 280SEL 4.5 (9/72)- RIP
Only 8,173 units built from 5/71 thru 11/72

'02 CLK320 Cabriolet - wifey's mid-life crisis

2012 VW Jetta Sportwagon TDI...at least its a diesel

Non illegitemae carborundum.

the interior handle works fine..


the exterior pops back ... slowly and i have to tap it to make it click back in

spray some wd40 into it ... had same prob on rear driver side pasinger door

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vin 123 123 10 155044

OK, now I got it, exterior handle.

You can remove the outer handle by pulling a plug at the door edge and removing the retaining screw. Once that screw it out you should be able to shift the handle toward the front of the car and ease out. Go slow, there is a rod that mates with the latch mechanism, may or may not have plastuc parts. Depnding on the year, there may also be an electrical connection for the electric vacuum pump (on models so equipped) and/or the factory alarm.

The handle may just need to be lubed, or there may be a broken return spring. Since it kinda works with some assistance, I'm leaning toward needing cleaning and lube.

__________________
Mike Tangas
'73 280SEL 4.5 (9/72)- RIP
Only 8,173 units built from 5/71 thru 11/72

'02 CLK320 Cabriolet - wifey's mid-life crisis

2012 VW Jetta Sportwagon TDI...at least its a diesel

Non illegitemae carborundum.

On my 123 you have to pull the interior door panel to remove the handle. There are 2 screws under the plug and one in the front of the handle. Only way to access this last one is to remove the door panel. Once all 3 screws are out it should just come out.

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1979 240D- 316K miles - VGT Turbo, Intercooler, Stick Shift, Many Other Mods - Daily Driver

1982 300SD - 232K miles - Wife's Daily Driver

1986 560SL - Wife's red speed machine

Agree with Bgkast

In fact there are two screws within that plug, not just one.

You don't need to fully remove the panel, just the area you need to work on. Be careful with those clips

And once you have it out, make sure the shaft connects to the plastic (white) clip in the lock mechanism when reinstalling! Otherwise your lock won't lock/unlock it.

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