How do you remove outside door handle on 2004 xc90 Volvo?

First remove the inside door handle (plastic handle that you pull the door closed with when sitting inside, not the handle that you pull to open the door). Once removed you will find 2-small bolts inside that need to be removed. After the 2-bolts are removed begin removing the panel by pulling around the edges popping the panel off its plastic posts which are behind the panel. If you can't get your hands underneath to pry the panel loose you can slide a flat-head screwdriver under the sides of the panel & pulling on the panel until you hear a popping sound. Do this until all posts are free. After they are all popped free you will have to lift the panel upwards to allow the door lock button at the top of the panel to pass through its hole. You will also find 2-wire harnesses behind the panel that you will have to release by squeezing the connectors & wiggling free. This will allow you to remove the panel completely.

Once the panel is removed you will find a dark gray foam (near the door lock at the top of the interior of the door) that you need to peel away from the metal portion of the door. It is held on by an adhesive so be careful to work your way along the sides so as not to tear the foam. This foam can be reapplied (without adding any additional adhesive back to it) after the job is completed. Reach your hand inside & you will find a "lever" that you pull down slightly & then slide to the left (if you are working on the passenger side door, slide to the right if on the driver side). This "lever" is held in place by a small spring that you will be compressing to slide the lever over. This process releases the outside handle so while holding the lever over to the side you will need to pull the outside handle outward (away from the car). You may need someone to help you with this although I have done it by myself so it can be done. Once you have released the outside handle in this manner you can pull it out by pulling it out as far as it will go & then maneuvering it out of the opening on the "hinged" side.

Hope this helps.