1974 Plymouth Duster exterior door handle not working.

[Rthomas318]

The door handle on my 1974 Plymouth Duster stopped working. When you push the button in it is very easy and does not open the door. The door still opens from the inside handle. Where can I find a chart or some kind of literature about how those door handles work? I am going to pop the door panel off and look at it but I am a total noob. Can anyone tell me what to look for or share any ideas or similar experiences?

 

[4spdragtop]

Newbie and a 50+ yr old dinosaur = FACTORY service AND parts manuals, they can be found and downloaded free at mymopar.com
There are linkages inside the door that allow the door to operate correctly. One of the linkages or connectors are disconnected, good luck!
Welcome aboard!

The door handle on my 1974 Plymouth Duster stopped working. When you push the button in it is very easy and does not open the door. The door still opens from the inside handle. Where can I find a chart or some kind of literature about how those door handles work? I am going to pop the door panel off and look at it but I am a total noob. Can anyone tell me what to look for or share any ideas or similar experiences?

 

[Demonracer]

As suggested, get the manuals, but once you pop the panel you will probably find a linkage rod has come loose. It either popped out of the clip, or if the clip is plastic it is probably broken. Once you figure that out, if the clip is broken post a picture of what is left in the "Wanted" section. I pretty sure someone here will have what you need. Welcome from Texas and good luck getting what you need to fix the door handle.

 

[Jetnoise]

521 has them. Since one of the clips probably failed, you might as well change all of them while you're in there: 73-76 A-Body Door Latch/Lock Clip Set (1 kit for both doors)

 

[TF360]

Yea, there are little plastic connectors(clips) that hold the linkage that goes from your button to a mechanism that moves the latch. Take a look in there. The mechanism could have broke too, but most likely the clips

 

[Rthomas318]

As suggested, get the manuals, but once you pop the panel you will probably find a linkage rod has come loose. It either popped out of the clip, or if the clip is plastic it is probably broken. Once you figure that out, if the clip is broken post a picture of what is left in the "Wanted" section. I pretty sure someone here will have what you need. Welcome from Texas and good luck getting what you need to fix the door handle.

Thanks for the advice. Going to give that a shot.