1. Disconnect the Battery (Recommended): This prevents accidental short circuits while working with the electrical components in the door.
2. Remove the Door Handle: This might need to come off *before* you remove the panel, depending on the year. Often, there are screws hidden behind the handle itself (or under small trim pieces around it). Carefully remove these screws, and then the handle itself should detach.
3. Remove the Window Switch Panel (if applicable): Sometimes, the power window switches are on a separate panel that needs to be removed *before* tackling the main door panel. Usually, this involves prying gently with a plastic trim tool to release clips holding it in place.
4. Remove the Door Panel:
* Locate the screws: There are typically several screws hidden behind various trim pieces like the armrest, door handle (if not already removed), and possibly behind the speaker grill. Remove all of them.
* Start prying carefully: Use a plastic trim tool or a flat, non-marring tool to gently pry around the edges of the door panel. Start at the bottom and work your way up. There are usually several plastic clips holding the panel in place. These clips can be brittle, so be gentle to avoid breaking them. There may be some resistance as you release the panel.
* Disconnect the wiring harness: Once the panel is mostly loose, locate the wiring harness connected to the door lock, power window, and possibly other components. Carefully disconnect the connectors. Some have release tabs, others might just pull apart (gently!).
* Remove the panel: Once the clips are released and the wiring is disconnected, carefully pull the panel away from the door.
5. Replace the Interior Door Handle:
* Once the panel is off, you should have access to the mechanism and mounting points for the interior door handle. The replacement process will vary depending on the specific handle design, but it generally involves removing the old handle and securing the new one in place with screws.
6. Reassembly: Reverse the process to reassemble the door panel. Be sure to correctly reconnect the wiring harness before snapping the panel back into place.
Important Considerations:
* Year-Specific Differences: The exact location of screws and clips, and the overall process, can vary significantly between Tahoe model years. A repair manual or online video specific to your year is crucial.
* Plastic Trim Tools: Using the right tools is essential. Plastic trim tools are designed to minimize the risk of scratching the door panel.
* Patience is Key: Take your time. Rushing can lead to broken clips or other damage.
If you are not comfortable performing this repair yourself, it's best to take your vehicle to a qualified mechanic. Replacing a door handle is relatively straightforward, but damaging the door panel during removal can be expensive to repair.
