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Replaced the rusted paddle handles on my 2000 TJ. All went according to plan (thanks to the information I've found on this site) until....
What I did learn that you may have to adjust the length of the rod to the exterior door handle that was just replaced. Originally, I simply pulled off the cotter pin to the rod end connected to the old handle and then reattached it to the the new handle. I did have to push the rod down a bit to slide onto the post but thought that was due to a new handle with new spring. That's where the problem comes in. Although I tested the operation of the new door handles (with the door open). I then closed the door and locked it to test it's operation. Now I had a locked door and no way to open it.
By pushing down the rod to put it onto the post, I partially activated the door latch process effectively jamming the locking mechanism in the locked position. Even after taking off the door panel, the lock did not want to disengage by manually toggling the arms.The answer was disconnecting the rod at both ends for the exterior door handle.
First, pull the cotter pin and remove the rod from the post. This takes the pressure off the door latch. (Now you can unlock the door manually from inside the door panel.) Then disconnect the rod at the other end, which is your adjustment end. Reattach the rod to the door handle post and install the cotter pin. Now reattached the rod at the adjustment end where it naturally rests and all should be good.
Not sure why I had this trouble. The replacement door handles were aftermarket so maybe the specs were off but it was enough to cost me most of a Saturday figuring it out. Hope this is helpful.
What I did learn that you may have to adjust the length of the rod to the exterior door handle that was just replaced. Originally, I simply pulled off the cotter pin to the rod end connected to the old handle and then reattached it to the the new handle. I did have to push the rod down a bit to slide onto the post but thought that was due to a new handle with new spring. That's where the problem comes in. Although I tested the operation of the new door handles (with the door open). I then closed the door and locked it to test it's operation. Now I had a locked door and no way to open it.
By pushing down the rod to put it onto the post, I partially activated the door latch process effectively jamming the locking mechanism in the locked position. Even after taking off the door panel, the lock did not want to disengage by manually toggling the arms.The answer was disconnecting the rod at both ends for the exterior door handle.
First, pull the cotter pin and remove the rod from the post. This takes the pressure off the door latch. (Now you can unlock the door manually from inside the door panel.) Then disconnect the rod at the other end, which is your adjustment end. Reattach the rod to the door handle post and install the cotter pin. Now reattached the rod at the adjustment end where it naturally rests and all should be good.
Not sure why I had this trouble. The replacement door handles were aftermarket so maybe the specs were off but it was enough to cost me most of a Saturday figuring it out. Hope this is helpful.
