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Outside door handle not working.

Discussion in '1st Gen. Tacomas (1995-2004)' started by 5lug 2004, Apr 22, 2020.

  1. Apr 22, 2020 at 3:30 PM
    #1
    5lug 2004

    #1
    5lug 2004 [OP] Member

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    Outside door hasn't gotten hard to open. What could be the problem?

    20200422_171402.jpg
     
    5lug 2004, Apr 22, 2020
    #1
  2. Apr 22, 2020 at 4:20 PM
    #2
    jbrandt

    #2
    jbrandt Made you look

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    lube.

    or lack thereof.
     
    jbrandt, Apr 22, 2020
    #2
  3. Apr 22, 2020 at 4:23 PM
    #3
    se7enine

    #3
    se7enine MCMLXXIX

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    Buy a replacement now, it's only a matter of time.
     
    se7enine, Apr 22, 2020
    #3
    sonoran likes this.
  4. Apr 22, 2020 at 4:25 PM
    #4
    5lug 2004

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    5lug 2004 [OP] Member

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    Yeah might as well. The cheapest one I can find is $150
     
    5lug 2004, Apr 22, 2020
    #4
  5. Apr 22, 2020 at 4:35 PM
    #5
    Gyrkin

    #5
    Gyrkin Well-Known Member

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    Give the latch mechanism (the part that actually holds the door closed) a good cleaning. It's best if you remove it and clean it real good. It's not really that hard to get out. You just have to disconnect the bottom of the window track on that side to give you room, and it will come out. Get the years of gunk off it and you will be able to open the door with your little finger.

    If you need it, here is a handle that is much cheaper:
    $23 Dorman 91319 Front Driver Side Exterior Door Handle Compatible with Select Toyota Models, Black
    https://www.amazon.com/Dorman-91319-Exterior-Handle-Toyota/dp/B0049DX3GW
     
    Gyrkin, Apr 22, 2020
    #5
  6. Apr 22, 2020 at 4:58 PM
    #6
    5lug 2004

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    5lug 2004 [OP] Member

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    Thanks man!
     
    5lug 2004, Apr 22, 2020
    #6
    Gyrkin likes this.
  7. Apr 23, 2020 at 7:55 AM
    #7
    skeezix

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    skeezix Well-Known Member

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    :gossip: If I understand correctly from the previous posts about this, the Dorman handles only last a year or so.
     
    skeezix, Apr 23, 2020
    #7
  8. Apr 23, 2020 at 8:54 AM
    #8
    Gyrkin

    #8
    Gyrkin Well-Known Member

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    The first time mine broke I replaced it with an OEM handle and it only lasted six months. The second time I replaced it with a cheap aftermarket one, but I also cleaned the latch mechanism real good. The cheap one is holding up just fine two years later. None of them will last if the latch mechanism is all gummed up, especially in cold weather.
     
    Gyrkin, Apr 23, 2020
    #8
  9. Apr 23, 2020 at 8:59 AM
    #9
    wolfgang123

    #9
    wolfgang123 Well-Known Member

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    wolfgang123, Apr 23, 2020
    #9
    Gyrkin likes this.
  10. Apr 23, 2020 at 12:28 PM
    #10
    se7enine

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    se7enine MCMLXXIX

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    I think it also depends on how much the weather fluctuates where your at. They bake in the sun and break in the winter.
     
    se7enine, Apr 23, 2020
    #10
  11. May 2, 2020 at 4:11 PM
    #11
    5lug 2004

    #11
    5lug 2004 [OP] Member

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    Where can I find one of these

    15884610594834881292223755417599.jpg
     
    5lug 2004, May 2, 2020
    #11
  12. May 2, 2020 at 4:43 PM
    #12
    Gyrkin

    #12
    Gyrkin Well-Known Member

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    The rod or the plastic clip thing? The plastic clips things come with new door handles, so if that's all you need you could buy a cheep aftermarket door handle and just take if off that. I don't think you can get only that part from Toyota, but I could be wrong.
     
    Gyrkin, May 2, 2020
    #12
  13. May 3, 2020 at 12:27 PM
    #13
    5lug 2004

    #13
    5lug 2004 [OP] Member

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    The plastic part. When I order the new handle I didn't see anything to do with it
     
    5lug 2004, May 3, 2020
    #13
  14. May 3, 2020 at 12:29 PM
    #14
    sonoran

    #14
    sonoran Big Loop

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    I just replaced my doorhandles. $5 each at Rock Auto (for 1st gen).
     
    sonoran, May 3, 2020
    #14
  15. May 3, 2020 at 1:12 PM
    #15
    Gyrkin

    #15
    Gyrkin Well-Known Member

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    I bought these a few years ago and they came with that part.
     
    Gyrkin, May 3, 2020
    #15

Products Discussed in

Dorman 91319 Front Driver Side Exterior Door Handle Compatible with Select Toyota Models, Black
$22.75
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