The exterior handle on my lift-gate is sticking. Lift-gate will open and close however, handle does not return back to it's normal position after it's pulled leaving the latch not fully engaged.

I have the interior panel, lever and other misc. components removed. I am looking at the two nuts (10mm) that fasten the exterior handle to the inner panel. I cannot figure out how to get at the driver side nut without removing the windshield wiper assy/bracket. Removing this bracket seems like it could cause a new issue when I try to realign it as there are 2 clearance slots and 1 hole.

I have wiggled around between the inner and outer panels with a ratcheting wrench and can almost get at it.....any advice?

 

I think you have to remove or atleast loosen the wiper assembly.

 

That's what I ended up doing.

Also worth mentioning; if you need to remove the exterior handle, the exterior trim piece needs to be removed. This is the strip above license plate that contains the lock, handle and license plate lights. There are a total of 4 nuts that hold this in- 1 on each side of the handle, an additional 2 further outboard- these are easy to see and get at.