Need advice on broken door handles

I've broken both door handles on my 2000 Tacoma, one was because it was frozen and I tried to open. The driver side broke this morning as I was trying to get in. I have other transportation so no rush on this, but does anyone know of a way or a trick I can get the door open without having to smash the driver side window out? Thanks. Feel free to email me directly spatton213@yahoo.com

 

This will be your best bet. Wedge the door and open from the inside

 

Get the kit or if you dont mind scratching up your truck take a big screwdriver to the top corner to wedge it open a bit. Then bend a coathanger just right to get at theinside opener

 

I have done this numerous times. When I break one I have a sliding rear window (if you have that) and a topper. I leave the sliding rear window open so I can reach the inside latch if needed to. I have replacement metal ones from Amazon on order right now. I've broke 2 ohm sets, one rock auto set. Only happens in these -50 temps. Got to be real careful with the inside of the door mechanisms too because if they break it's kind of tricky sourcing the clips/pieces for sure. I'll be doing the same thing here when it warms up or I'll use some heat to warm up all the ancient plastic in there. lol

 

Once you get it opened replace the handles with these

$65 Exterior Front Driver & Passenger Door Handle Set, Upgraded Metal, Compatible with 1995-2004 Toyota Tacoma - Textured Black - 69220-35020, 69210-35020, 79345, 91318, 79344, 91319, TO1311117, TO131011

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07YQBPHS9

 

Clean and lube all the door linkages while replacing the handles too

 

Thanks for the link, Gyrkin!
I’ve got three Yotas, so I’ve been through a bunch of the plastic crap handles, really happy to find a metal alternative.

 

When mine broke there was a little peace left that I was still able to pull on it and open it. You might be able to get some needle nose pliers to help out.

 

Post a picture

 

From another thread I remembered

vid on 2nd pg of thread

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/both-door-handles-broken-on-the-outside.750199/page-2

 

Mine did that once send a pic of the handles. I had to like crimp the last bit of the handle with one hand and barely pull it up. Then my other hand would sneak under it and open it. But that was because I still had a little bit of handle. But I barely had any so it should work unless yours is all gone.

 

I’d go through the rear window slider if you’ve got it.

 

This is awesome, mine was broken for so many years and never got to it but now with this, it totally makes sense. Thanks!

 

This was also my experience when I broke a driver door handle.

 

When that happened on the driver's side of mine, I was able to somewhat painfully squeeze my fingers underneath the little bit that was left and pry the handle up. We ended up replacing it with an OEM handle. Yeah, it's still plastic, but the original one lasted 23 years, so an OEM replacement should last quite a while too.

 

I picked up one of these based on your recommendation after my Dorman handle broke. A few bucks more, but this one will last. Thanks

 

Well they just don’t make them like they used to, I’ve bought several from different suppliers, some claim to be OEM, but all JUNK!

 

All are junk except these

$65 Exterior Front Driver & Passenger Door Handle Set, Upgraded Metal, Compatible with 1995-2004 Toyota Tacoma - Textured Black - 69220-35020, 69210-35020, 79345, 91318, 79344, 91319, TO1311117, TO131011

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07YQBPHS9
This is a backwards case of "don't make them like they used to" because these are better than OEM, because they are metal.

 

Take a shoestring and tie a slip not in it and slide the string between the door and truck loop the slip it over the inside door lock pull tight then pull up I e done it to mine a hundred times