simply want to remove door panel as window has fallen off track....only thing still holding on is window handle...how do i get it off?

 

Welcome to the site. I will move this thread to the second generation Dakota section,
FF

 

There is a special tool to remove the retainer clip on the back of the window crank:

http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/web...%7CGRP2083____

$4.29 at Advance Auto Parts.

Insert the tool in between the back side of the crank handle and the round plastic spacer behind it. Then rotate the handle as if you are raising or lowering the window. You will feel the clip pop loose, watch for it so you don't lose it if it springs free when you pull the crank handle off the door panel.

You can also reach in between the handle and spacer with a right angle pick tool and pop the clip out but you will probably lose the clip and it is much harder to get the clip loose that way. Plus you can mess up the plastic handle that way too.

Insert the clip back into the cut-out space for it on the handle when you reinstall it back on the window crank and snap it back on the crank when you reinstall the door panel.

Jimmy