Outside passenger door handle will not open door

Hi all,
My '98 tacoma front door handle on the outside has lost it's ability to open the door. It just swings freely in place without that resistance and click of the locking mechanism opening the door. It's not the lock button I'm referring to but the actual silver door handle. I know I'll end up removing the inside door panel and figuring out what broke where, but...this site has been helpful to me in the past on another occasion that I'm hoping someone who has been there can help with any advice, trick or an understanding of what I'm in for and how to solve it. If I can purchase a part beforehand would be good also but I understand that I need to know what is wrong first. So, is there any procedure that is best in removing the cover caps over the inside door arm rest etc etc?
Thanks

 

I find a set of trim tools handy.

 

Like a plasterers tool you mean, to lift off the covers?

 

They make trim tools (sets) specific for automotive trim. Its handy to have the proper tools.

 

Ok got it, thanks. I've been y tubing it and am learning as I go. Also, I see that this is a common problem with handles that I'm learning about on tacomaworld.....so now I'm down the rabbit hole searching ALL the replacement exterior handles out there for sale and trying to figure out what's crap and what maybe is not for a reasonable price.

 

Check the reviews, the one I installed on the driver side of my truck is finicky. It worked perfectly for about 6 months, but now I have to grab the handle a certain way, or it won’t open.
I mean, if my hands are full and I try to open it with 2 fingers, or along the edge, it doesn’t work.
Strange to me, because it still travels normally, just doesn’t unlatch the door.

 

This pretty much details the replacement:

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=xY8od...hY2UgMjAwMCB0b3lvdGEgdGFjb21hIGRvb3IgaGFuZGxl

Or:

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=GUx49lSqwc4

 

Another weak point on these.......they all eventually break

Oem ones not much better than aftermarket ones and three times cost.

Some smear by the metal ones.......but heard of them breaking too....bad reviews

$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

Amazon.com: 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, TO1310117 : Automotive



when I buy any thing on Amazon I check for open box dorman ones of these that for go $7 or $8
about half the time they're there....got a spare for each door..


I got an oem one from Orisman(McGeorge) few years back.... and it was not smooth....crunchy feeling

 

Great idea on the open box OEM handles.
Thank you!!

 

Harbor freight sells a pretty decent set for peanut money. You can also pick up their fastener set for around $10 that may have some to replace those you WILL break. If not, on line is way cheaper then dealer pricing.

 

SilverTaco speaks the truth. Also, I learned from a fb Taco guy that using white synthetic grease to lube up all moving parts makes the handles last longer.
I spray it around the outside door handle (in-between the cracks) ever so often.

 

I'd recommend keeping a spare driver one around.

also a backup open circuit relay.......and a spare ignition switch....