Kia Rio Stubborn Manual Window Handle/Crank Removal

If you have recently had the pleasure of removing the door panel on a newer Kia Rio with manual window handles, then I'm sure your gonna know what I'm talking out in this post.

What makes removing this handle so difficult is the fact the retention clip is recessed, and the handel is very tightly fit up against the door panel. It's nearly impossible to see the clip without damaging the handle or the door panel, and if you can't see the clip and can't feel the removal tool catching on anything then it becomes pretty frustrating. 

This is how I ended up removing the handle. Take your standard window handle removal tool and slightly bend the corners up. 

Slowly insert the removal tool, with both handles facing the same direction between the door panel and the plastic friction ring. At the same time you will need to turn the plastic friction ring to get it orientated in the right position to allow you to get the removal tool seated correctly against the retention clip.    

This is what will keep the handle removal tool from being seated correctly against the retention clip.

This is the position the plastic friction ring needs to be in. The only way you'll be able to tell if it's in this orientation is by feeling for the clip with the handle removal tool.

Once it is seated correctly,

Slightly turn the handle and pull off, while keeping the removal tool in place.

Now you should be able to remove a couple screws and have the panel off in no time.
Hope this helps!
- Jeremy's Car Audio Tips