How to Install Door Handles on a '92 S-10

The Chevrolet S-10 1992 model is a part of the first generation of Chevrolet S-10 pickup models made from 1982 to 1993. Pickups made within these years have the same door panel and door handle removal process. You need to replace the door handle on the 1992 Chevrolet S-10 when it breaks. In some cases, it is only the handle or the plastic retainer on the rod that breaks, but to fix either part you must replace the whole door handle unit and remove the door panel to access the broken door handle part.

Instructions

1

Raise the window to its full top position. Remove the window crank with a window crank removal tool, if you have manual windows. This is a metal tool with a center recess that fits snuggly over the window crank bolt. Insert the end of the window crank removal tool beneath the crank handle, allowing the bolt to enter the recessed area of the tool. Push the tool inward as far as it will go and pry up the crank. Watch for the spring that pops off. Place the spring to the side so you can replace the crank.

2

Remove the screw that holds the interior door handle bezel, which is also attached to the plastic locking lever. Pop the bezel off by inserting the edge of a flat-head screwdriver in the seam of the door panel and latch. Slide the bezel through the end of the door handle. Disconnect the locking rod from the back of the bezel to remove it completely from the door.

3

Bend down to look for the retaining door panel screw underneath the armrest. This is located near the seam of the armrest and door panel. Remove this Phillips screw with the Phillips screwdriver. Locate and remove the other retaining door panel screw in the door lock hole revealed when you removed the plastic door latch bezel. These screws need to be removed prior to lifting the door panel off.

4

Peel the vinyl plastic backing from the panel exposing the door latch inside the car door holes. Reach in the truck metal body holes and disconnect the rod attachment from the retaining clip on the back of the exterior door handle plate. Try removing the rod with your fingers or use a pair of needle-nosed pliers to remove the tension of the rod as you release it from the back of the handle.

5

Pry the door panel from its attaching clips by inserting the flat-edge of a screwdriver between the panel and the car body. Run the screwdriver along the inside seam and slowly pop the panel from the door. Use a putty knife to help separate the panel from the door if you can't fully remove the panel with the screwdriver. Expect the armrest to remove with the door panel, since it is molded to the panel in the Chevy 1992 S-10. Disconnect all the electrical connector plugs for electric door-locks and windows as you remove the panel, so it comes apart freely.

6

Analyze the door handle mechanism in the interior holes of the door. Unfasten the nuts you see securing the door handle to the inside metal frame of the pickup. These are on each side of the door handle. Use a 10-mm socket to unfasten the nuts. Pull the door handle loose from the outside.

7

Replace with a new door handle unit and use the 10-mm nuts to reattach the new handle. Insert the rod in the back rod retaining clip. Replace the door vinyl protector and door panel.

8

Reconnect electrical connectors to door locks and windows if these are electric, as you fit the panel over the door.

9

Align the plastic fasteners with each other as you press the panel on. Listen for the locking clicks that secure the panel to the door.

10

Slide the plastic handle back through the plastic bezel and fasten it in place with the Phillips screw driver.

11

Fasten the screws to the underside of the armrest and replace those that fasten in the armrest well.

12

Align the manual window crank and push it on to the holding bolt.