anyone have any tips on how to reinstall the retaining spring for the interior door handle?
The door panel needs to come off. It's easy to get open, but there are screws holding the arm rests and stuff on and some clips on the inside of the panel holding it there. You can buy a tool at an auto shop for around 5 bucks or try to wing it with a screw driver. The tool is quite useful and easy. Once off, you have access to the door handle and can just feel around. It might just not be attached.