Need some door handle help

LLbadboy · 01-25-2008, 10:26 AM

I have to replace my driver's side outer door handle and can't seem to figure it out. My trusty repair manual says remove 2 bolts, throw a pinch of sugar over your shoulder, punch a cat in the face, and magically it will come out. Not the case (my poor cat)

, can't figure out how this darn thing come out.

Anyone have pics, advice, anything???

Much appreciated guys!!!

Hockey1 · 01-25-2008, 11:51 AM

i just wanted to say thank you. i read your question and laughed out loud! you might not know how to change out a door handle. (neither do i) but your FUNNY!

instg8tor · 01-25-2008, 12:13 PM

On the inside of the door (remove inside cardboard panel) holding the handle to the door skin are two metal wedges. They're on both sides of the handle frame and slip down to lock the handle in. You need to remove these wedges first - pull them up towards the top of the door.

LLbadboy · 01-25-2008, 12:32 PM

EFF!!!! I can't slide the wedges up without them hitting the window. I'll tell you, if it wasn't 8 degrees out I'd be running doorless with no problems...

I'm guessing the window has to come out now???

instg8tor · 01-25-2008, 03:04 PM

ya, its a bit tricky but if you push them up as far as you can with the window up, then roll the window down you should be able to reach in with a pair of long needle nose pliers.

danheit · 01-25-2008, 03:36 PM

Yeah....no getting them out without removing the quarter window assembly first (please note that there is a screw holding it in the top of the window frame, 2 screws holding it in from the side, and one really big one attached to a metal bar down towards the bottom of the actual door). Once that is out, remove the two screws from the bottom of the window that hold it to the track, slowly let it sit down at the bottom, and remove the two pins that hold the handle in. After this, and after removing the pin that connects it to the striker latch, it should pop right out. I have done a lot of these(just did 2 this week), and I can say that it is a lot easier than it looks. Just time consuming and a PITA. You will also notice that on your new door latch, it has 2 metal clips on it where the two locking pins go in. MY ADVICE TO YOU: these clips are on opposing sides, one letting the pin to in from the top, the other making the pin go in from the bottom for ease of installation and future removal. IF YOU GO OFF ROAD ALOT, MOVE THE CLIP THAT MAKES THE PIN GO IN FROM THE BOTTOM TO WHERE IT WILL GO IN FROM THE TOP! If you don't do this, the first time you hit a really good bump, the metal pin will fall down inside your door panel, and you will have to do this whole process all over again. TRUST ME! It isn't worth it. Take the extra minute to do this. Good luck, and let me know if you have anymore questions!

blue1989yj · 01-25-2008, 03:43 PM

Those are great instructions, however I was able to get it out from the top with needle-nosed pliers and the window down. It was a total PITA but it is possible. You can pop out the belt weatherstripping to give you more access.

**ptwhaler** · 01-27-2008, 11:31 PM

I've got new window scrubber seals on order and I assume I will have to take the inside door panel off to replace them. How hard is it to remove the cardboard door panel? Just pops off I assume. Is there instrcutions for this type of thing in the Chilton or Hayne's manuals? I will be ordering a manual sometime this week.

LLbadboy · 01-28-2008, 09:28 AM

Removing the cardboard door panel is really easy. Just remove the obvious components and carefully pull it off. Be careful not to break the panel though!