Score: Door handles 1, Me 0

[AudiSport4000]

Alright, so I got the latch thing figured out alright, but now am going to try and fix my dumb handles. Upon replacing the latch on the pass front, I noticed a "bar" which is pictured, was just laying agaist the door upright. It was connected to the latch but nowhere else. Where is it supposed to connect to, any pictures? This is why I think my pass front door wont work from the outside, if not, I have replacements (pictured). Also, I took out the drivers rear latch, soaked it in degreaser and re-installed it, still didnt work. So, Im gonna just buy a new handle and see what happens. If that doesnt work, another latch may be needed. I find these door handles are a dumb design, but who else doesnt think that? Oh well, at least Im making a valiant effort to try and fix these things rather than just drop the car off at the dealer and fork over cash for Mike to do it. Help is appreciated on these dumb handles and where that silly bar goes on the handle. TIA Mike

[Dwight V.]

I think the rod is for the locking function and connects the lock cylinder where your key goes with the lock **** (or lock on the door latch).
It shouldn't keep your handle from working.
The (yes, very stupid) door handles are just a lever that pushes against another lever on the door latch. If they don't stay greased they will break off where the lever pushes against the latch lever. They are white metal (junk) and new ones are often the answer.

[furiousgeorge]

Just what Dwight said, they attach your lock, to your other lock thing. One of mine slipped thru a drain hole in my door, and I found it in my driveway. Imagine tryin to figure out what it goes to when you dont even know where it fell out from!

[DJ Springer]