Door Handle Removal/Installation

Posting this for @ronixtaco
Maybe I didn't look hard enough but I couldn't find a thread explaining the door handle removal/installation process.

So here is what information I can provide based on my experience.

Tools Needed:
Small Flathead Screwdriver
Phillips Screwdriver
T-30 Torx Wrench or Bit (you will need a long wrench to reach the bolts)
Another set of hands would also be helpful but not necessary

Part Names (for clarification):
Each door has a two-part handle
We'll call the longer movable part as the handle
We'll call the smaller part the cap
Each door has an identical handle so you don't need to keep track of what handle came from what door
All caps are identical except for the driver's door which has an opening for manual key entry


Step 1 (front doors):
Remove the weather protection cap to reveal the bolt that secures the handle
You can use your fingernails to remove the cap to avoid scratching the paint with a flat-head



Step 2 (front doors):
Use the T-30 Torx driver to loosen the bolt
The bolt is secured with a retainer so don't worry about losing the bolt in the door

Step 3 (front doors):
Once the the bolt is loose, you can remove the cap
It may take some messing with but the cap should come off by hand
If you have trouble with it, you can use a plastic wedge to get between the cap and the door

Step 4 (front doors):
With the cap removed, you now have room to remove the handle
Grab the handle and with out pulling it away from the door, pull backwards
Once the handle is pulled back (towards the rear of the truck), pull the handle away from the truck
The handle should slide out of its holes
(position of handle once it is pulled back)

(position of handle once you pull away from the truck)


Step 5 (front driver's side door only):
The front driver side door's handle cap houses a locking mechanism
If you are replacing your door handles, you will need to swap that mechanism to the new handle cap
To remove the mechanism, simple use a flat head screwdriver to press the clip that holds the mechanism in place
The mechanism should come free
Putting the mechanism into the new cap is as simple as pushing it into the cap until you hear the clip click into place


Removal of the rear door handles is a bit more complicated but still very doable
There is no weather protection cap on the rear doors
To access the bolt that secures the door handle, you will need to move the locking mechanism in the door

Step 1(rear doors):
With the T-30 Torx emove the three bolts holding the locking mechanism in place
If you are able to wiggle the mechanism down enough to reveal the door handle bolt by reaching into the opening, repeat steps 2-4 of the front door handle instructions
If you are not able to move the mechanism by hand, proceed to step 2 (rear doors)


Step 2 (rear doors):
Use a small flat-head screwdriver to open the screw cover located behind the interior door handle
Remove the screw using a phillips screwdriver


Step 3 (rear doors):
Use a phillips screw driver to remove the screw located in the close door assist handle
Pull up on the close door assist handle to remove it


Step 4 (rear doors):
Use a phillips screwdriver or something similar to pop the center of the retaining clip in
This clip is located by the rear bottom corner of the window on the door panel


Step 5 (rear doors):
Starting with the side closest to the front of the vehicle, pull the door panel away from the door
You will hear the clips popping out of their holes
Just be gentle and make sure not to pull the panel too far away from the door (there are still wire connections for the power windows attached; you do not need to detach them if you don't want to; you just need room to get your hand behind the panel)

Step 6 (rear doors):
(this is where it helps to have a friend hold the door panel while you work)
Pull the clear plastic weather cover down enough so that you can reach the locking mechanism
Be careful not to tear the weather cover or remove the adhesive keeping it attached to the door
Move your hand into the opening and move the locking mechanism down enough to reveal the door handle bolt

Repeat Steps 2-4 of the Front Door Instructions

Enjoy your new door handles!


If you have any questions, please let me know!


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Nice write up been thinking of blacking my handles

 

I appreciate the feedback! Let me know how it goes.

Cheers

 

awesome!!! thanks a bunch!!!!!

 

Cool!

 

Vote for sticky! GREAT DIY!

 

Nice write up. I did this a couple of years ago and it was quite easy. This would have made it even easier!

 

Great write up, thanks for all the pics and details you added!

 

Excellent write up and photos!

I do have to admit I find it amusing that the fancy schmancy trucks want black handles like my little base came with.

I would consider changing mine to chrome, assuming it the units were really plated. Mostly because there are so many chrome haters around.

 

I was looking for a write up when I did it myself but couldn't find what I needed. I'm usually a learn by doing kind of guy but thought I'd document the experience for anyone that could use a reference.

Perspective is one hell of a thing. I see a lot of people changing out their black door handles for the color keyed sets. Figured I'd revert back to my teenage anarchist phase and fight the system... by replacing the door handles on my truck... Wow, the teenage me would have been so disappointed.



And thank you everyone for the feedback. I'm learning a lot about my truck by working on it myself. It doesn't all go smoothly but hearing the positive reaction encourages me to keep working at it and keep posting for the rest of the community. I appreciate it, friends.

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/what-to-do.457257

 

this write up was ment for me because i purchased handles from @Aaron Joseph but still haven't received them!!! aaron PLEASE REPLY TO THE MESSAGE I SENT.

 

I was about to ask if I can purchase these.

Awaiting outcome of this

 

Has this been resolved?

 

Might take some flat black ones, trade my Pyrite if anyone has them.

 

yes, i received the handles

 

Would these instructions work for the 3rd gen? Looking to replace my Chrome handles with a new set.. is there a play by play video or YouTube ? Thanks

 

Saved it! Will be replacing my super white handles with black ones.

 

Great write up, I'm painting mine with tintable bedliner, also doing my mirrors. Already did my flares a d bumpers