Something inside the door snapped when I was opening the door from the inside today

[steved0x]

It was the spring end that hooks onto the handle just like in these threads. I bent a new end and hooked it back up, super easy. I could do I again in 10 minutes I bet.

Tools needed:

Plastic trim tool
Torx 25 & 30 for 3 of the screws
Phillips screwdriver for the other two. The plastic screw goes back in the door pocket and the metal one under the door handle.
Pliers to bend the broken end of the spring.

Once the trim is off and the screws remove, the door panel clips can be released by prying the door panel with your fingers. I had only one break but I had spares.

Disconnect an electrical connector and the door release cable (if you have speakers or courtesy light you may have to get those too)

The the door panel.lifts off and the spring is on the backside of the door panel

One of the easier repairs to date.

Now my door handle is nice and tight....

[jakeru]

Thanks for the update, Steve! I've got this problem on my driver's side door in my 2001 boxster and have a replacement spring on order to fix. Will be looking at replacing the inner door moisture barrier seal at the same time to fix a problem with wetness coming in at the bottom of the door panel. I don't believe I thought to order any replacement door panel clips, so hopefully I can manage not breaking any.