Interior Grab Handle Removal

[thirdmanj]

My driver's side interior door/grab handle is loose. I'm just wondering how exactly it is attached so I can get in there and see what the problem is. I'd just like recommended tools, configuration, that kinda thing. Pictures would be great if possible. Thanks guys!

Also, I read the thread about putting magnets on the door panels, it looks as though I may need to do that in the near future, My fir trees are on their last legs. And speaking of fir trees if I do decide to just replace them, does anyone know a part number for some generic ones that work on our door panels? I looked at the ones on DMCH and they're .75 A PIECE!!! Well, ok, thanks again!

[AdmiralSenn]

The door handle is attached to a bracket inside the door by two phillips screws that point towards the front and back of the car.

The bracket is held on by two hex-head bolts (9 or 10mm, I think) that can be reached from the top by removing the escutcheon panel (and maybe the window switch, I don't remember for sure). This is a lot easier to get to in order to remove the handle. If you do that, you can pop the handle out of the door, tighten the phillips screws, then put it back in and reattach.

You may end up taking the panel off to tighten everything up - those phillips screws are a SERIOUS pain to get to with the panel on. It's possible but tricky.

As far as the fir trees, just take one with you to your local generic auto parts store - they usually have them all lined up in one aisle, you can just compare styles and pick the one that's closest. There is a generic cross reference that's an exact match, I just don't know offhand what it is. I do remember that it was something super generic, like late 70's Ford or something that ANY place will have.

Sorry I don't have pictures...

[DMC5180]

Geez you complaining about buying fur trees. Not like there are a ton of them. FWIW: you can go to you local AP store and see what they might have. in the random selection.
I'm not sure I've ever seen the style we use in the Dorman fastener bins. but you my find something that will work for you.

If the handle is loose it could be that one of the two screws that hold it in has fallen out. The screws are a PITA to install if you don't have a magnetized phillips screwdriver about 24" long (I have one) The other way is to remove the Bracket that the handle is attached too, Reinstall the grab handle then reinstall the bracket assembly. A good reference is the Exploded View in the Parts Catalog to see the 2 bolts that hold the bracket to the door.

If the handle is just loose (rocks up and down) You could also try a combination of long socket extensions ( 1/4" preferred) with a HEX bit adapter and a #3 PH tip to tighten it up.