Driver Side Door Handle Wires

[Mcoop]

I purchased my '02 RT about a year ago. The driver side interior door handle has not worked the entire time. I have been using the emergency latch. I am now deep into my stereo install and am running all new wires. I figured while I am at it, I might as well fix the door handle issue. Any pointers to make a secure fix?

[Steve-Indy]

Have you carefully inspected ALL of the wires entering the door? Insulating can appear intact, but wire still broken.. Many, many owners have had multiple broken wires (some or all) in this area. This can also come up on the generally less used passenger door.

Do you have a factory service manual? It will show everything you need to know...including switch pinouts.

[Mcoop]

Thanks for the advice, Steve. I have all of the service manuals. Knowing my door handle did not work I looked in the manual and saw the pink wires were for the door. I tugged on the PK/WT and WT/DG wires and found them cut. How do you suggest inspecting the remaining wires? Dare I cut the rubber boot?

I read another thread where a member actually soldered new connections for all of the wires in the door because of a previous owner's hack job.

Passenger door wires will be inspected too.

[Steve-Indy]

I would cut the boot.

[GTS Dean]

I did not, but repairing the wires wasn't easy. The copper stands work harden over time and get brittle.