My 2005 LTD has 27,000 miles with absolutely no issues. The other night my wife reached for the (passenger side) interior door handle, and something snapped in the door latch mechanism. Now the door can only be opened by using the outside handle - (which the driver doesn't mind doing).
Not knowing if the silver handle or some linkage rod was at fault, I checked the XFIRE Parts book, which says 'interior door handle = not serviced' - - no part number. The dealer said the door handle & related mechanism is included with the Interior Door Panel assembly - - about $500, if I supply labor, (out of warranty, natch.)

My searches of this Forum have yielded a TSB for door handle PULLS, and procedures for exterior door handle removal & replacement. One Forum member had my exact problem, which was apparently resolved by his local dealership - - under warranty. The cause of the problem was not mentioned.

I want the problem fixed, but can't trust my wheels to our Ham-Fisted 5-Star mechanics (so-called Techs). Local dealers in this part of Central California are notorious for F&%@*ing Up customer's cars, as I learned from my own previous Dodge repair experiences, and that of a neighbor (Viper owner) as well. The nearest dealer is notorious for damaging interior pieces!!

Since I don't have access to any interior upholstery & trim panel removal tools, should I take the car to a body shop ? or to an auto upholsterer, and ask for them to SWAG a repair w/o new parts? Advice & advisement, please!

 

First of all is it the latch or the pull handle that broke?

The door panel removal is easy and can be a DIY job. Locate the Crutchfield master sheet PDF by doing a search. Or look through recent posts in the audio section. The pdf was recently posted.

https://www.crossfireforum.org/forum...ad.php?t=22919

I had my door panel off this past weekend in order to replace the speakers ( I have the base model ). The panel removal is easy but only if you have the proper step-by-step instructions. You will need a couple of torx drivers and a phillips. I was also able to pry of the panels with my fingers, starting just below where the door latches to the door jam.

Whether its the latch or the handle, you should be able to fix it without replacing the entire panel. Provided you can get the parts you need.

The latch may have just come un-connected. If so, you would not be able to open the door from the inside. There is a small plastic piece that holds door latch cable to the inside door latch. If the platic piece broke, your latch will not work. If so, I see no reason why that it couldn't be fixed in some manner without an replacing the entire door panel. Once you remove the panel you will see the simple mechanics of the door latch.

However, if you are still within the 3/36 bumper to bumper, why not have the dealer get a new door panel for you. Just insist on doing the work yourself and keping the old panel.

If you are out of the 3/36 window, then use the crutchfield PDF and pull the panel yourself so that you can attempt to diagnose the problem yourself. You must be out of warrany since they are trying to sell you an entire panel.

Good Luck.

 

Thanks for your FAST reply, and detailed info.
Yes, the interior door release Handle does not unlatch; no problem with the door Pull.

Your suggested repair sounds like a good 'DIY' job - - I do have basic tools.
My XFire is out of warranty, so I might go the Crutchfield .pdf route.
Problem is, I have a bad track record with door interior R&Rs.

On the other hand, perhaps I should inquire at the local MBZ shop. Aren't the interior door works the same as the SLK 320s? I know MBZ is meticulous about making parts available, (exchange rate of Euros notwithstanding!)

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If you have to there is currently a right side door panel for sale om Ebay.(sorry no link)

 

Awesome news, Crossfirefun (and Imabenz). Now I have some options....


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I, on the other hand, have a broken door pull on the drivers side. Anybody gots one for sale, rent or how about a lease to own. Thanks!

 

Wholesalemopar.com has the left handle for $48.50, right for$18.75. Parts list is easy to use, has diagrams/drawings.

 

Other than there being no part number, I just ran into another obstacle trying to get this interior door handle linkage replaced:

I determined that I cannot obtain door assembly instructions from CRUTCHFIELD Car Audio , they replied 'Crutchfield MasterSheet installation instructions are not offered for 2005 Crossfire'.
Does anyone know if MBZ offers an exploded view of the interior door parts for their SLK320? Might be a match...?

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My original response to your post has a link to a thread that contains the PDF. Its an attachment to the last post in that thread. I just checked, the PDF is still there.

Another thing that you will find that you may need to reference the 2004 model year for items pertaining to 2005-2008 Crossfires. For most items, such as the door panel removal instructions, this is not a problem. However, you need to be aware of items that have changed from model year to model year. I find that I need to use 2004 or 2005 model years to find oil and air filter part numbers.

 

Hey, your Link to the 2004 MasterSheet worked great! Thanks a $Million, Imabenz!

Now I can rip...er, carefully disassemble the passenger door panel for diagnosis & repair!

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Great....Good luck....Just be carefull when prying things apart. I broke a tab on each of my door handle covers. Went back on o.k. Its just that I cannot afford to break another one. Just proceed with caution.

I still supect the "L" shaped "door release rod" (fig. 9 on page 5 of the pdf) that attaches to the door handle either disconnected or the little plastic piece that holds it may have broken. If this is the problem, you door panel will come completely off when you pry it off of the door frame. Otherwise, you will need to disconnect the pull cable before you can completly remove the panel.

That will be your first clue as to where the problem resides. Reference fig. 9 on page 5. That shows where the door pull cable connects to the inside door latch.