Thanks guys. I'll ask him again in the morning. From what he was telling me, I know he didn't try it from the interior and I was under the impression the handle was flopping in a way consistent with it having lost its functionality. Thanks for the link also. I'll check it out. As I stated months ago, this is a very nice Montero. Wagon needs a ring job (smokes a little and burns oil) though it's like pulling teeth to try to get him to do it. He has both the skills and the shop to work on it. He worked on school buses for most of his adult life so I understand his lack of enthusiasm. I'll keep you posted.

thanks as always,
shooter