"Connection Piece" and handle lever

[philipjadler]

I had to buy a new connection piece as the one I was using kept popping out.
Yet the lever that it is mounted too doesn't have enough free motion to let5 it swing and every time I put the handle in it pops out!! Anyone know what the problem is with this lever and how to fix it?
The weather here is beautiful, and I can't ride in my car if the door swings open.