| DIY: How To Replace The Exterior, Front Door Handle On A 1993 Toyota Camry | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| This is another DIY job sent in by a reader. It shows, step by step, how to remove the door panel and then the outside door handle for replacement. Since all door panels come of in a similar fashion, it will be of help to anyone removing a door panel. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Test out your new handle by using a screw driver to mimic the bar which engages the closed door
When the door handle is pulled, the screwdriver should be released. Also test the locking mechanism using your key to be sure it is working. You didn't do anything that should harm it, but if you knocked a wire or a rod loose somewhere, better to find out now! Assuming all is working well, set the door panel back in place over the window sill. Then turn the key in the ignition and test your window. If you hear any scratching or other funny sounds, stop and put the window back up! Something is in the way. Did you put the "what is it" back correctly? Once all is copasetic, start replacing the door screws, pins and clips. Be sure that the wires for the light are sticking through the door. You need them! The pins on the side of the door need to be telescoped back together,remember, you pushed on the center before removing them, and insert until flush. The five screws go back in their places with any covers over them. Remember to plug the light back in as you re-insert it after fastening that screw. The clips inside the door along the edges engage by being pounded with a fist from the outside - as long as they are properly aligned. The very last trick is getting that darn door handle trim back on. Pull the handle to slide the trim into place over it. Push in the far end first, not the end with the secret clasp. Then push down on the clasp with the screwdriver, like you did to remove it, and jimmy it back into place as best you can. I had to pop mine hard at the end -- and did I mention that I cracked it? Voila! Pat yourself on the back, show your neighbor what you did and grab a glass of iced tea. You deserve it! I want to thank Louise for sending this to me to share with all of you. She is a great example of what can be done when you set your mind to it. |
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Additional information provided courtesy of ALLDATA
© 2004 Louise Holzhauer


