I have a 2000 4-door Ranger…and the driver side back door handle is broken…that is, the cables broke away from the plastic parts on the handle…but the cables were still out of the holes leading into the interior of the door, so I could still pull on them (gently) and get the door open. Anyway, yesterday, I needed to open the back door, and when I got back on the road, the door buzzer kept going off. So in in ultimate moment of stupidity while on the roadside shoulder, I managed to push the cable for the lower latch into the little hole in the handle…and now it’s gone…

I know the process to replace the plastic interior fasteners that usually break on these cables, and I even have the replacement metal ones…but it looks like a major pain in the *** to do this, and since my door was still technically ‘working’, I have been avoiding pulling the door apart, removing the seat belt, and buying a rivet gun. And yes, I know it’s just a matter of time until both back door cables break…but I’m lazy.

So, does anyone have any ideas of how to fish out the lower cable without drilling out the rivets? I thought of using a step bit and enlarging the hole so it’s big enough to try to grab it…but for all I know, it’s fallen all the way to the bottom of the door. I did try using a stack of tiny neodymium magnets that were small enough to fit into the hole to attempt to catch the cable end thingy, but no luck there…

Any advice is appreciated.

 

Here's something to try. I use this in my home looking for leaks and mice behind walls. 6.5ft USB Snake Inspection Camera, 0.3 MP IP67 Waterproof USB/Micro Endoscope, Type-C Borescope Camera with 6 LED Lights Fits for OTG Android, Windows, MacBook, Computer - Walmart.com

If you can sneak such a thing as this into another hole, you might be able to guide the magnet or hook to the right place. It's like Ford Orthoscopic Surgery. Surprising many uses for it and a little fun to play with. If that wire is stainless (it's probably not... it's a Ford), you'll need a hook, like a coat hanger or similar.

I don't vouch for this brand or this specific item. Have no idea which one to buy. They should all be less than $20.

 

I've done the job on both my doors. I don't think it is possible for the cables to go anywhere. You might be able to make a wire hook and catch the wire of the cable. It likely would be easier if you removed the handle, because the back of the handle is quite visible from inside the door. In fact there is a latch on the back of the door handle that is supposed to keep one from pushing the cable into the door. If you look in the metal repair ends you will see a groove near the big end that you slide the holder into. You will understand it once you remove the handle.