2011 GMC Sierra Denali Rear door won't open

[dsr611]

2011 GMC Sierra Denali (3500HD, but that doesn't really matter)...rear door handle broke.  Replaced with new door handle and didn't think about trying the door before putting the door panel back on.  Put the door panel back on, shut the door and tried to open it and it won't open with outer handle or the inner handle.  Any ideas on how to either get the door panel off with the door closed or open the door in order to get the door panel off.  I have checked the videos on youtube with no success.

[dna9656]

You are going to have to get the panel off with the door closed. I have done this on Chryslers and GMs. It's a bit  , you should prolly remove the seat bottom and possibly the seat back for more room. What happened was you didn't finish connecting all the rods inside the door. There is the lock rod from inside the door, a rod from the inside door handle and a rod from the outside door handle. After you get the panel off get a GOOD light in the door and an inspection mirror, about 2 to 3 inches in diameter and be prepared to go to war. It's tough to connect the door latch end of the rods.

I missed the part where you had an Non OEM handle. I have run into that too.

Edited September 5, 2021 by dna9656

[dsr611]

I saw something fall out when pulling the panel off, but only found a small piece of foam and one of the panel clips.  Once I got everything put back on and gave up for the night (we're getting feeder bands from Hurricane Ida), I saw this clip under the edge of the truck.  Part # shows it to be "Clip, Front Side Door Outside Handle (Retains Handle to Base)"

https://www.gmpartsgiant.com/parts/gm-clip-20828232.html

 

Now, to pull the panel back off (or get the door open somehow) and find out exactly where this clip goes

 

 

[dsr611]

UPDATE:  Was finally able to get back on this door issue tonight.  Door panel can be pulled with the door closed, but it is rough.  I was able to get a panel removal tool at the bottom corner of the door and had enough leverage to pry the panel out enough to pop the clip loose.  I worked my way around the edge of the panel, popping each clip loose as I got to one.  I had to move the front seat as far forward as it would go and adjust the back rest as far forward as it would go and slide the panel toward the front.  Once the panel was removed, I was able to reach in the door and push the rod connected to the outside handle down and the door opened.  I pulled the new handle off and compared to the OEM handle and there was enough of a difference in the new and old actuators on the handles (the part that pushes the rod down to open the door) that the new handle wouldn't push the rod down enough to activate the latch.  I pulled the actuator from the broken OEM handle and put it on the new handle and re-installed the handle.  Closed the door (this time with the panel off) and was able to open the door from the outside.  Reinstalled the panel and tried the inner and outer handles both and they both were able to open the door.  I don't know what the issue was with the inner handle not opening the door, but everything is good now.

 

Now, to move on to the other 3 doors.