Drivers door handle

Problem-drivers exterior door handle not functioning.
Inside lever works as usual.
Removed the exterior door handle and replace-everything works as normal. BUT-looking at the OLD door handle--it seems to be working as normal-BUT did not function correctly.(up-down and no slop or play in movement).
Has anyone run into this problem.
Handle(old) appears to work as normal-just does not work???
Is there possibly a different problem???
I am pretty mechanicaly inclined--just could not figure this one out.
I did think possibly the the lock could have been some of the problem-BUT the inside handle worked and will not function when it locked.
Anyway-door is working as normal w/new handle-just wanted to see if anyone else has had this scenario.

 

I am having a similar problem. Someone tried to break into my truck and broke the door handle. I replaced the handle but my outside door handle still does not function properly. The inside handle works great. But the outside handle (the one I replaced) has to be pulled really hard up. I'm not sure if your problem is exactly like mine but maybe if someone can answer your problem they can answer mine.

 

Going to give this a bump=possibly we will get a response.
Handle was a pain in the ass to replace!!!
Needed a "headlamp and glasses" to get the thing in and out.
Tight squeeze!!
Said a few words that had not been used in a while-LOL

 

I'm guessing that one of the actuating rods disconnected due to a broken nylon clip thingy. When you removed the old handle, there should have been 2 rods to disconnect, but you may have seen only 1 and assumed that was normal.

 

Haha me to!

 

No-thought of that--both were connected and very tight-thanks for the reply.
It was as if the door was locked-but the inside functioned!
Inside handle does not work if locked.
Your input is APPRECIATED-Thanks

 

Update-new handle is still working great. No other problems.

 

My mother-in-law's boyfriend has a 2004 Tacoma DC, and it has a similar problem - an inoperative driver's outside door handle. the inside handle works just fine, and the door locks and unlocks normally. The outside handle assembly, bezel and all, moves slightly. Sometimes, if he pushes down on the bezel, below the handle, the door will open. I also hear a little sound like a spring stretching.

Does this sound like we to replace the handle?

 

Handles are relatively cheap. If you go thru the trouble of getting access- I would replace it. It may just need to be tightened.
If you are going thru all the trouble--just replace it..

 

Had the same problem twice on my 97, fixed it for free both times. Once removed if you look at the exterior handle on the inside you'll see the cams on the handle that you lift up to open the door. The cam pushes an arm, been day or two sense I done this but believe it's the arm that the rod hooks to, anywho this arm is the problem. It gets bent inward toward the cab of the truck so the handle does not push it properly casing the door not to open. I simply bent this arm back out(tight up against the handle itself) and it works like new. Hopefully this is understandable, I know it's hard to see without pics, but if you have the handle out and play with it for a bit it should be pretty obvious

 

in your case I bet the connecting rod got bent putting things out of alignment and binding or not catching as it should

 

it may have been the door lock acting up and messing around with things got it to start working again. its very complicated in there and if things aren't pulled in the right direction the things that needs to catch may no longer catch when its that old and worn.

there really is nothing to the door handle (just a hinge with rod attached) so I bet if you put your old one back on, it would work fine now.

 

Looking at this picture I found:

Is it the flat piece near the top, with the pivot on one end, and the clip for the rod on the other end? Or is it the rod itself?

 

Yes, the silver part with the plastic clip for the rod attached to it. On mine this part was bent inward, towards the cab and away from the handle itself. I simply bent it with pliers to where it was tight up against the handle again and it's good as new.

 

Thanks. I'll see if he's willing to let me take it apart, of if he wants a shop to do it.