1. Gather Your Tools:
* New door handles: Make sure you get the correct ones for your Beretta's year and model (driver's side and passenger's side may be different).
* Phillips head screwdriver: Possibly a variety of sizes.
* Small flathead screwdriver (optional): For prying or helping with stubborn clips.
* Panel removal tool (optional): Helps prevent scratching the door panel.
* Needle-nose pliers (optional): For reaching small clips or fasteners.
* Penetrating oil (optional): To help loosen rusted or stuck screws or fasteners.
2. Remove the Interior Door Panel:
This is the most critical step and varies slightly depending on the specific door panel design. Generally, you'll need to:
* Remove the door handle bezel: This is usually a small plastic cover around the inside door handle. It typically pops off with a gentle pull or may have small retaining clips.
* Locate and remove the screws: These screws are usually hidden behind the door panel. There will likely be several securing the panel to the door.
* Carefully remove the door panel: Starting at the bottom, gently pry the panel away from the door. Use your fingers, the panel removal tool, or a flathead screwdriver carefully, to release the plastic clips that hold the panel in place. Be mindful not to break these clips. There may be a vapor barrier or plastic film that also needs to be carefully detached.
* Disconnect the electrical connectors: This includes the power window switch, power lock switch, and possibly other components (depending on options). Gently unplug these connectors.
3. Access and Remove the Exterior Door Handle:
Once the door panel is removed, you'll usually see the exterior door handle mechanism. Here's what you might encounter:
* Screws: The handle may be held in place with screws. These are often located near the handle's base or on the interior side of the door.
* Clips: Some designs use plastic clips. These may be more challenging to remove and may require careful prying or use of needle-nose pliers.
* Rods and linkages: Be sure to observe how the interior and exterior handles, as well as the locking mechanism, are connected. Take pictures before disconnecting anything to ensure you can reassemble it correctly. These linkages will usually need to be detached.
4. Install the New Door Handle:
Reverse the removal process to install the new handle. Pay close attention to how the linkages and components connect.
5. Reinstall the Interior Door Panel:
Carefully reconnect the electrical connectors, align the door panel, and snap the plastic clips back into place. Replace any screws.
Important Considerations:
* Take Pictures: Before disassembling anything, take lots of pictures. This will be invaluable when reassembling.
* Patience: This is a somewhat delicate process, so take your time and be careful. Broken clips or damaged parts can make the job more difficult and costly.
* Replacement Parts: If you break any clips or fasteners during removal, make sure you replace them.
* Consult a Repair Manual: A repair manual specific to your 1995 Chevy Beretta will be incredibly helpful and show you precisely how your model's door handles are installed. You can find these online or at auto parts stores.
If you're not comfortable performing this repair yourself, it's best to take your vehicle to a qualified mechanic. This is especially true if you're unfamiliar with automotive repair. Damaging the door panel or door mechanisms can be expensive to fix.
