the tumblers on my driver side door lock have finally gone on me, so i ordered another cylinder from the Mazda dealership. The mechanic said it would be an easy swap once i got the door panel off... took the panel off but the lock is behind part of the window and another sheet of metal... i can see one of the bolts that hold the handle on from the inside and a divit for the 2nd bolt, i just can't see it...
do i need to take the window out? and if then how can i even access the other bolt?


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You will need to remove the window, and then unbolt the handle assembly from inside. There are two 10MM nuts, and then a bunch of rods which connect with plastic clips. From there, you can rotate the handle assembly slightly and pull it out from outside the door.