The car had been stood for a couple of years and the exterior door handles will not go back down when opened unless you push them down! I need to lubricate them from the inside but don't know how to remove the door panels without maybe damaging them! Can anyone please help? Cheers.

Okay, pop off the speaker grill (carefully, Fiat plastic trim is fragile! Seems to be a little bit more brittle than other makes).
Undo the retaining screws, remove the speaker and unclip the connector.

Undo the bolts holding the door handle plastic module and remove the handle from the wire locking rod., disconnect the electric window switch and this should separate from the panel.

Get a very thin screwdriver and lever the red insert out a little on the locking knob to release the door locking rod..

Using a fairly broad tool, lever the panel off starting at the bottom, try to get a couple of levers either side of the clips.

Once all the clips are off, panel should lift up and off, when you put it back on make sure the window trim at the top locates correctly on the inner steel panel.

Undo the outer handle by undoing the two hex bolts, pull the handle out enough to release the clip and actuating rod, dont lose the clip!
You can now properly lubricate the hinge, I used a light grease once I'd cleaned it up, seems to be better at keeping dirt out.

Cheers Momoe, I'll gather my tools this morning and get started, only 4 to do!!! I'll get back and post some pics too to help others.

Just finished removing the passenger door fitting, went well, got a bit stumped trying to remove the handle itself from the rod, I got it off eventually and assume the clip you mention is the 90 degree plastic clip at the end of the rod? If not, then it wasn't on. Anyway all cleaned up and replaced and working like a treat! As I was on dinner duties tonight I shall complete the other three tomorrow!! Again, many thanks!

Hi Momoe

I've hit snags!! I started the drivers door this afternoon, all went well until taking off the handle itself, the handle has come out with the actuating rod attached and I cant get it back on! I obviously cant see what I'm doing as I have to put my arm in. I sort of had it once, but when I closed the door it opened slightly and then wouldn't open again. I have to get in through the passenger door now, but that too has gone on me, but rather than the arm coming out with the handle, I am unable to connect the handle correctly to the arm which is in place!!!......Should I just take it to a FIAT dealer with all the doors stripped ready for them to do before I put my foot through the windscreen?!?!

It gone from bad to worse..I have managed to snap the passenger front door exterior handle trying to attach it to the actuator arm......down tools time.......

Where abouts in lancashire are you????

I'm in Chorley & Horwich, but can travel.........

I know the exterior handles are complete b@gg*rs, sounds like they've been off before as the small clip stops the actuating rod from coming off. I've used small cable ties round a suitably sized plastic rawlplug before.
Scrappy is your best bet for handles and make sure you pick up lots of extra's too!

If you get stuck I could be able to lend a pair of hands when I get back from work weekend after next. I'm about 10 mile north of preston.

Thanks Momoe, but seeing as I have no idea where to locate the arm correctly I think I will pass on the tie-wrap/wall plug method, I'll probably make it worse!!!!

Alpitlum, that really would be appreciated if you wouldn't mind sparing the time? If you would like to e-mail me @

[email protected]

with your details please? Many thanks