2011 2.4 L2. Have to pull interior door handle, release and pull again for door to open. Am I losing it?

 

Nope, it is a safety feature that is implemented via a flash update to the BCM the last time you drove by a Chevy dealership.

Seriously, of course not. Obviously something is either broken or out of adjustment.

Check the interior handle for cracks - they are known to crack and then totally break off at times. Replacement handles are available at most auto part stores and at your local Chevy dealer. there are posts here detailing the process to replace the handles.

If the handle is intact, then there is a problem inside the door - either the actuating rod is out of adjustment or one of the other components - the door panel will have to come off for an inspection.

 

X 2, & I believe if you need handle replacement, Dorman makes a steel version. They can be found on one of our Sponsors site, Rock Auto

 

-GM PN 19299614 (left-handed) PN19299613 (right -handed)
-Dorman part #80369 (left side) - part #80370 (right side)

 

Wow, thanks u guys. Think I'm gonna pull the door panel. Everything is smooth but noticed if I pull it slowish I have to do it twice. Not related to pulling hard just fast. Or twice Weird. Thinking adjustment. Before I was thinking electronic like tailgate. My 2nd HHR L2. Will update when I get it fixed. Thanks again..

 

No adjustment, no electronics. Just old fashioned cables and levers that wear.

 

Before you tear it apart, give that door handle a double check - as they often don't totally break apart - sometimes they crack on the door side of the handle and it allows the handle to flex pretty good, yet still opens the door.

When mine went on the drivers door, I could see it flexing, so knew it was cracked. So I swapped the good drivers rear door handle to the front, used JB Weld to repair the cracked one, then installed it in the rear door.

Some say that using the inside handle to pull the door closed is what breaks it, but that sure was not the case with mine.