Remove front door handle

[MattAK]

Hey all. I'm attempting to replace a power door lock actuator on my 2001. I've gotten everything loose except for the rod that goes from the outside handle to then door latch. I can't for the life of me figure out how to get this clip and rod to come out of the handle. It looks like both the rod and clip go through the hole in the handle but I can't see how to get either one out/off. Any suggestions? Thanks!

 

[shootmymime]

its very hard to describe. from what i think there should be a clip that has the small rod bent at a 90deg angle and runs through the center of the clip. the clip should attach to the rod just by slightly clipped on the other end of the 90deg bend. but that clip should rotate. and pop loose of the rod, then you should be able to pull the short 90deg bend of the rod out of the clip. ill try and look for a picture of what you might be talking about, see if you can get a picture up for us? maybe stick your phone in where your head does not fit for a better view.
is it like this?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H3DfO5jgp7w

 

[MattAK]

Yeah it's similar to that. However the metal rod has a head on it that prevents it from slipping back through the hole. Here's a pic from one angle. You can see the head on the right.

 

[shootmymime]

and you cant detach it from the other end and pull the whole rod through the hole for the handle in the door? take a few more pic. that would help. man im not sure about that now since there is the nipple on the end of your rod.

 

[MattAK]

Here's a pic from the other side. Both the clip and the rod go through the door handle and it doesn't look like there's enough room to spread the clip on this side to allow the head of the rod to go back through.

 

[shootmymime]

thanks. try cleaning it off with some solvent or brake cleaner if you have any lying around. what looks like there is a finger or two bend down that you have to lift up so it will clear the nipple to let is pull out.

 

[MattAK]

The problem is that there's not enough room to bend the fingers out of the way of the nipple so the rod can slide out.

 

[shootmymime]

sorry but im all out of ideas with out being there. i would just say drive it somewhere light it on fire and report is stolen and get the insurance check. its best to cut you losses on something this easy. lol - hope i made u laugh. good luck, lets see if anyone else has any more input.

 

[MattAK]

Haha you did. Too bad I've only owned it for a few days, otherwise it would be tempting.

 

[nissanh]

use a flat screwdriver and pry it. It will work. this is how all toyota's work.

 

[PitbullRescuer]

Pry it out. If the plastic clip breaks, no biggie. Just stick the rod back through the hole, throw a small zip tie on the other end of the rod to keep it in the handle. Works like a charm.

 

[MattAK]

I finally managed to get it out today. I went to the stealership and bought an extra clip for $3 just in case I broke this one. Took a lot of leverage but it came out ok. Got the actuator replaced and put back in, also replaced the horrible stock speakers with some nice Polk 6.5" since the door was already apart. Now it's time to start saving for new springs/shocks and a bull bar for the front.

 

[PhysioTherapyD]

Actuator troubles here, too...

Just had a similar pwr door lock actuator issue on the driver-side door on my 1996...as in about 6 hours ago! Latch was stuck in the "down" position and I ended up doing a bungee cord fix until I got home to take a closer look.

Climbing out the passenger side is good times! Lol! I have a manual transmission so my being flexible is a plus in this situation.

Now, WTH do I do next?! Is it really that big of a PITA to replace the actuator in the doors?? Good call on putting the new door speakers, Matt! I think I may do that, too. And while on the subject of door locks and taking off door panels - has anyone tried making all four power windows AUTO? My 2010 Camry has these and I'm afraid I've become quite spoiled...

Thanks for any help here!!!

 

[ixcocoyxi]

its not that difficult. took me about 30 minutes to take out and replace. including the door panel.

 

[PhysioTherapyD]

Thanks! Here's a detail I forgot to mention: The FOB/remote still locks and unlocks ALL doors and using the key on both front doors works as well. This morning I discovered (BEFORE my coffee?!?) that I can open my (driver's side) door from the INSIDE just not from the outside as mentioned in my earlier post.
SO...could this be a rod/clip issue and not the actuator?
Thanks!

 

[infamousRNR]

door handles

to remove the handle itself...

there are 2 screws, one on each side of the handle and 2 plastic items as mentioned by SHOOTMYMIME...

you need to flip up and away from the metal rod that goes onto/into them...

see picture of the PINK and WHITE plastic things...



remove the lock from the door handle?

easy! i think the hardest part is removing the door handle itself

there is one little retaining clip....

to reinsert lock... put clip on first and just push lock through until it clicks

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