Disconnect door handle from door latch mechanism

[patssle]

How the heck do you disconnect the exterior door handle from the door latch mechanism? I see the little black J connector but one end has a pin with the world's tiniest lock washer and the other end just terminates onto the latch mechanism. I can't get these two things separated!

[patssle]

Oh for the love of god. Spend an hour fighting that POS...searching the internet for tips...make this post......then go back outside and TA-DA I figure it out in 10 seconds.

For future reference/searchers: Lift up on the connection piece in-between the latch and door handle!

[rick3000]

Sometimes taking a step back and having a beer is the best solution.