When I squeeze the exterior handle, there is no tension at all and the door won't open. I've taken the door panel off and can tell that the metal rod which opens the latch is disconnected from the handle. I can't see if something is broken or just disconnected.

How do I get to that mechanism? Do I have to remove the window assembly? Any help?

 

The Volvo repair instructions TP8202201 indicates that you only need to remove the inside door panel and then the foam barrier. However, I've never been that far inside a door, so good luck!

 

Thank for replying, Bob. Turned out the problem I had is very common to older Volvos. Part of the door handle assembly is plastic and over time weakens and can break. The answer is to get a new handle. To answer my own question, no, I didn't have to do anything with the window assembly. Once the door panel was off, there are two screws holding the handle on. I unscrewed them and took the handle right off. I purchased a new one from eBay for $22 and easily put it on. Took all of 20 minutes.