2002 interior door handle replacement and door ajar switch.

[edward301]

On my 2002 Black Thunderbird, I finally took apart the door panel, and replaced the interior door handle that was broken, and
also replaced the intermittent door ajar switch, which was causing the window not to drop all the time, which also made closing
the door difficult when the window was fully up.

I was best to simply order a new door latch assembly 3W6Z76219A65AB for $238.01. This way you get a new chrome interior
handle, new cable, new door latch, new door lock motor, and new door ajar switch.

Removing door panel not hard, only thing somewhat hard was drilling out the three rivets that holds the interior door handle
to the door. Removing latch easy, and reconnecting the three rods for inside lock lever, exterior door handle, and exterior key
lock, also easy, however tight space inside door.

Also the chrome trim piece was loose on the door panel, on the back side of the door panel installed a washer, and a screw to
hold chrome trim piece down flush with the door panel. Some good photos below.

 

[biddle]

Inserted your photos as full size images into the post as seen here-

 

[dwlmswanson]

Good info. I tried wrestling with the three rods and wasn’t able to disconnect them. Of course I didn’t want to break them so I didn’t over do it. What’s the trick to releasing them?

Okay, I was finally able to disconnect the rods. I solved 3 of the 4 problems. Window pops down as it should, interior light comes on as it should and power to the radio drops when the door is open. But darn, the door ajar light is still on! Oh well, I’m used to driving a BMW so I’ve learned to ignore lights! Don

 

[highwayghost]

The door ajar light is also on for the trunk and hood lights, Check those for proper function

 

[Doug2002]

On my 2002 Black Thunderbird, I finally took apart the door panel, and replaced the interior door handle that was broken, and
also replaced the intermittent door ajar switch, which was causing the window not to drop all the time, which also made closing
the door difficult when the window was fully up.

I was best to simply order a new door latch assembly 3W6Z76219A65AB for $238.01. This way you get a new chrome interior
handle, new cable, new door latch, new door lock motor, and new door ajar switch.

Removing door panel not hard, only thing somewhat hard was drilling out the three rivets that holds the interior door handle
to the door. Removing latch easy, and reconnecting the three rods for inside lock lever, exterior door handle, and exterior key
lock, also easy, however tight space inside door.

Also the chrome trim piece was loose on the door panel, on the back side of the door panel installed a washer, and a screw to
hold chrome trim piece down flush with the door panel. Some good photos below.
View attachment 13600View attachment 13601View attachment 13602View attachment 13604View attachment 13605View attachment 13606

How did you remove and replace the black covering over the metal door in the second picture? And did you screws to attach the door handle after you drilled out the rivets?