Both Door Handles Broken on the Outside

Both of the door handles on my 03 Tacoma are broken from the outside due to ice and now I can't get in. Both doors are unlocked (I have the keys) but both of the handles are loose. The passenger door broke last week and I ordered a new one, but it hasn't arrived to replace it, but now the driver side broke and I have no way in. Is there a way to get in without breaking a window?

Help!

 

Welcome to TacomaWorld
If you have a rear slider the latch is easy to pop from the outside so you can pull the inside handle with a coat hanger.
Good luck

 

I really need to stop procrastinating and replace the passenger side handle on my truck...if the driver side breaks im in the same situation. I have done had the door not latch properly and squezz myself through the back glass to reach the handle with a rod.


Yeah if you have a back slide glass...very small screwdriver or knife...slide it in where the latch is...one good little tap should unlatch it.

 

that sucks, my passenger handle was broken for a bit and i was worried that would happen to me. can you get a shoelace through the door crack at the top, loop the inside handle and pull it? a metal hanger may also work if you can't get the shoelace in by flossing it into the top corner of the door

 

First off, If you are in a situation that you need to get in your truck ASAP, call AAA.

Secondly, having tried various methods to get into my truck, you're almost always going to scratch something unless you have the right tools (see AAA above).

If you got in now, leave a window open? I hope you have a garage...

 

Thanks everyone for your suggestions, calling roadside assistance to try first. I luckily do have a garage so I'll just leave the windows down in the garage to reach in and open the doors if the help I get actually works.

 

Once you get the doors open, replace the handles right away. It's a simple process, but you probably want to pick up some extra door panel clips because they tend to break when you remove the door panel. I've had to replace mine a few times and it just takes maybe 20 min once you know the process, super easy.

I've always been afraid of this happening when one of mine breaks so I usually try to do it right away. I agree with the rear slider window option, it's pretty easy to pop open from the outside. Then use something long to reach in and pull the handle.

 

Look under the door latch. Mine broke at a spot where I still had enough of a tab left to open by getting a screwdriver under it to work it with that.

 

Break off the outside handle since Im assuming it's worthless if it's broke where I think it is. Then drill a small pilot hole in the part that broke, screw a screw in, then use pliers to pull the latch via the screw

Edit: if it'll help I can literally go demonstrate via video right now since I have a broken handle and spare I need to install

 

Buy a lockout/break in set and never have to worry again. Might only use it once but it's nice to have. Otherwise call some roadside assistance to break into the truck for you, then completely remove one of the handles for the time being.

 

My passenger handle is broken and I have the spare behind the seat. I think I'm going to go put it in now.

 

I would love to see it. I see how that would help down the road when someone is in a sh*t situation and doesn't have time to wait for responses

 

Replace it with a metal one and not have to worry

$33 Exterior Front Passenger Door Handle Replacement, Upgraded Metal - Compatible with 1995-2004 Toyota Tacoma - Textured Black - OEM 69210-35020, 91318, TO1311117

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07YQB5SR2

 

K, uploading it now to youtube

 

I have learned that lesson if the door is frozen closed yanking on the handle will only break the handle

I put enough pressure on the handle to release the door and pry the door open with a flat screw driver .

If it is really froze I break out the heat Gun.

Breaking one long ago on a Celica cured me of the yanking

 

I got in thanks to calling roadside assistance and they came with those blow up tools to get a rod in there and open the door from the inside. Now just need to replace both and be better about not pulling on the handle in icy weather!

Thanks again for the suggestions!

 

Dude. +1000 internet points.

 

*tips fedora*

 

Duh, if one is broke, likely the other will soon. Now you know. JerZ do it now.