I have performed a search in the archives and I haven't found this particular problem (or else my search words needed refinement)....anyway. The drivers side rear (suicide) door worked one morning and at the end of the day I went to open it and it wouldn't open. The top catch will un-latch but the bottom catch will not un-latch.

Has anyone got suggestions on how to take care of this issue. I have looked and there are a couple of screws on the arm rest assembly but no other ones on the door. I assume it will require me to take the panel off from. Can this be done without the door open?

Thanks folks

wags

I'm not entirely sure you can take the panel off without the door open. I can't remember how it came off when I removed mine. Can't hurt to try though.

Sounds like the internal latch broke.:dunno: Sorry.

when you took your panel off do you remember the steps you took? eg., when you remove the screws from the armrest do you pull the panel, left the panel? what about the recessed handle? I just don't want to break something in my ignorance to fix the latch....and I agree the latch mechanism is broke.

Wags

I feel ya man. I was worried when I decided to try and loosen a few bolts in the my front doors and the loose wire in my rear doors.

I really can't remember. I want to say remove the screw but then you have to carefully pull up, or slowly pop each one out. Help pry it with a screwdriver.

That's the best link I could find.
http://www.gmfullsize.com/forum/showthread.php?t=80233&highlight=removing+rear+door+panel

Again, sorry I can't remember. If I still had my truck it would make this a lot easier for me to remember.

I'm sure another member will chime in.

You need to remove all the screws, then remove the trim piece around the door handle. To remove the panel, you need to lift it up and out. Because of this, I don't know if it will work with the door closed. If you have the four-door cab, try it on the passenger side first to see how it works. Good luck.

the back doors have the snap in clips. you just need to remove the 2 screws and the the trim around the door and use a pry tool and pop all the clips around the door anf remove most likely will have to get the door open to do so. you might try to pull the handle and then pry the stuck latch with a screw driver a little and if your lucky it could release.

Thanks for the help. I was able to solve the problem. First remove the two screws on the arm rest. Remove the resessed cup around the door handle. Then pull the panel straight back...you do not need to lift up...just pull straight out. If the door was stuck in the shut position like mine, I was able to pull out the panel just enough on the door side (not the hing side), and then reach into the door and pull up on the rod that operates the latches.

My problem was that the plastic piece that holds the bottom control rod in place at the top broke which caused the rod to come un-attached. To fix, I used duct tape to hold it in place. Hopefully it will last for some time.

Great forum I will be back.

Thanks for the help. I was able to solve the problem. First remove the two screws on the arm rest. Remove the resessed cup around the door handle. Then pull the panel straight back...you do not need to lift up...just pull straight out. If the door was stuck in the shut position like mine, I was able to pull out the panel just enough on the door side (not the hing side), and then reach into the door and pull up on the rod that operates the latches.

My problem was that the plastic piece that holds the bottom control rod in place at the top broke which caused the rod to come un-attached. To fix, I used duct tape to hold it in place. Hopefully it will last for some time.

Great forum I will be back.

"if you cant duck it fuck it"