Hi! I have a 1998 CRV and the inside driver's door handle suddenly stopped working, when we got to 10-degree weather here, and I suspect the little plastic clip got cold and has snapped, the clip that holds the connection rod in place that I see in this video: after getting off the door panel as per this video:
But I don't know how important it is to replace plastic sheet ( a vapor barrier ? ) that is normally glued over all these internal parts. What role does this plastic sheet serve? Is it just for heat control so the cold from outside doesn't chill the inside of the car? Or is this to prevent moisture from inside the car reaching cold metal and condensing on it and then freezing?

The last question may be relevant - because when it got to about zero degrees here, suddenly the window motor got very slow, and then finally worked but made a noise similar to crunching of ice cubes, so I will have a later question I guess about that , if taking the car to a garage and warming it up and maybe blowing hot air with a hair-drier on it doesn't fix this abrupt problem with the window.

Thank you!


interior of door showing clip and the plastic vapor barrier ?

 

In case I wasn't clear. Do I have to replace this plastic sheet? If I have to, do I need to be really careful to seal the edges or can I be slightly sloppy about it?
And if I need to replace it, does anyone have any suggestions about what plastic and what adhesive to use? Will a cut-up heavy-duty garbage bag work?
Thank you!

 

Yes
it reduces noise a bit but keep water from dripping out the bottom of the door panel into your carpet. The window sash belt mouldings where the door glas meets the door is not water tight. If you leave it off you will cause a headache. Also, get dumb gum (butyl tape) from the parts store as adhesive sealant. Use tuck tape anywhere it tears.