How do you install an inside door handle for a 1999 GMC Yukon?

Answer 1

I just did this for the 2nd time.

Remove the 2 screws in the armrest.

Remove the triangular trim piece at the front bottom corner of the window.

Remove the bezel (trim piece around the door handle unit (this is tough) there are 3 tabs that you must slide something flat in and push down to get this off.

Edited for clarity: The bezel IS difficult to get off. The three tabs mentioned are positioned approximately @ 12:00, 9:00, and 6:00- nothing @ 3:00. I wished I'd know that going in- I broke my bezel too. Also, a more accurate description of what you have to do to get it to release is; from the outside of each of the positions, slide the thin, flat tool in from the edges towards the center of the bezel while slightly pushing from the outside over the particular position. When it releases, then lift away.

I broke the first one ($21 at dealer)

Sometimes it's easier to have the window rolled down all the way prior to the next steps- Then before actually working on the door lock, roll the window back up before disconnecting the control power to the window. Otherwise the lowered window may be in your way.
The panel itself is held on by a series of plastic "screws" that are inserted into a plastic receiver.

Carefully pry each one loose. Using similar flat tool.

Lift the door panel up (it is "hanging" on the lip of the door).

Your window and door lock control module will be hanging by wires this is OK.
Be careful not to stress these wires too much- or you may be back trying to fix your window/ door lock module!!!

Slide the door handle unit forward and it will come loose.

There are 2 connecting rods attached to the back of the unit, 1 for the lock, the other for the handle (that opens the door). I'm sure this is the part that is broken on yours (2nd time mine has).

Buy a new unit ( I got the 1st at the dealer for $50 2nd at Auto zone for $21)

Disconnect the two rods using a pair of needle nose pliars (they will just unsnap)
Install new unit lining up the holes and pulling it back (towards the rear) it will lock in place.
Make sure you hook up the door light, towards the back of the door, re-install panel. and bezel.

Mkgwiki says:
I was trying to find an answer on how to change the OUTSIDE door handle & lock when I found this answer. I found it VERY helpful. I took the liberty of adding some minor suggestions above- hope the original author doesn't mind.
I am going to add the additional info here for completing that task.

After completing all of the disassembly above, with the window UP, if the clear plastic is still intact, carefully peal it back from the outside edge of the door (to gain access to the interior of the door).

There is a round hole towards the top of the panel (opposite of where the outside handle is). This is an access hole to put a socket & extention or nutdriver (10mm) in to remove a screw. It is identical to the one in the door jamb- which is the 2nd of two screws holding the outer handle in place. To save yourself some grief & time from looking for a fallen screw, if your arms are small enough, and long enough, put your arm in the lower hole in the panel and reach up towards the back side of the handle mechanism and to remove & install the inner screw with that hand.

Once the outside handle is loose, but still attached by the operating rods, you can carefully remove the retaining clip on the handle operating rod and remove the rod from the hole.
Then carefully rotate the still attached handle and look under the lock mechanism to find the spring loaded lock release (in the slot closest to the rod). Take a small screwdriver and push that tab in and the lock tumbler assembly will slide right out. Easy pezy. (no need to remove lock tumbler rod or clip!).

Take care to retrieve rubber seal in old tumbler housing and re-insert in new replacement handle.
The new handle should come with a retainer clip already in place for the operating rod, so all you have to do is slide the end of the operating rod into the hole til it clicks in place on the clip.
Carefully re-install handle assembly back in hole, install screws and re-assemble door parts in reverse order.

Hope this helps.