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Need advice on broken door handles

Discussion in '1st Gen. Tacomas (1995-2004)' started by spatton213, Jan 13, 2024.

  1. Jan 13, 2024 at 7:04 AM
    #1
    spatton213

    spatton213 [OP] New Member

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    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
     
  2. Jan 13, 2024 at 8:35 AM
    #2
    02hilux

    02hilux Paved roads not required

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

    Screenshot_20240113_083506_Samsung Internet.jpg
     
  3. Jan 13, 2024 at 8:39 AM
    #3
    Potomus Pete

    Potomus Pete Love my little truck

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    Sarasota Florida The Great Place To Live.
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    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
     
  4. Jan 13, 2024 at 9:30 AM
    #4
    Xbeaus

    Xbeaus Well-Known Member

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    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
     
  5. Jan 13, 2024 at 11:29 AM
    #5
    Gyrkin

    Gyrkin Well-Known Member

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    Truckstop13 and Xbeaus like this.
  6. Jan 14, 2024 at 8:01 AM
    #6
    Parkvisitor

    Parkvisitor Don’t be silly

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    Bunch of silly stuff
    Clean and lube all the door linkages while replacing the handles too
     
  7. Feb 26, 2024 at 6:09 PM
    #7
    Kapnd

    Kapnd Active Member

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    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.
     
  8. Feb 26, 2024 at 6:21 PM
    #8
    Panchovilla6192002

    Panchovilla6192002 Well-Known Member

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    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.
     
  9. Feb 26, 2024 at 6:22 PM
    #9
    Panchovilla6192002

    Panchovilla6192002 Well-Known Member

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    Post a picture
     
  10. Feb 26, 2024 at 6:36 PM
    #10
    ControlCar

    ControlCar My Moto: Help & Learn…period.

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  11. Feb 26, 2024 at 8:38 PM
    #11
    evanspen06

    evanspen06 Well-Known Member

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    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.
     
  12. Feb 26, 2024 at 8:41 PM
    #12
    time623

    time623 Well-Known Member

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    I’d go through the rear window slider if you’ve got it.
     
  13. Feb 26, 2024 at 11:01 PM
    #13
    phoforbreakfast

    phoforbreakfast Well-Known Member

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    This is awesome, mine was broken for so many years and never got to it but now with this, it totally makes sense. Thanks!
     
  14. Feb 27, 2024 at 5:27 PM
    #14
    RattleTractor

    RattleTractor Lube: It's the key to penetration.

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    This was also my experience when I broke a driver door handle.
     
  15. Feb 27, 2024 at 6:26 PM
    #15
    Mathguy Michael

    Mathguy Michael Member

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    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.
     
  16. Feb 29, 2024 at 6:59 PM
    #16
    hondamxracer

    hondamxracer Well-Known Member

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    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
     
  17. Mar 2, 2024 at 4:47 PM
    #17
    Kapnd

    Kapnd Active Member

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    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!
     
  18. Mar 3, 2024 at 10:01 AM
    #18
    Gyrkin

    Gyrkin Well-Known Member

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    All are junk except these 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.
     
    Fatal_Paradox likes this.
  19. Oct 17, 2024 at 9:59 PM
    #19
    03prerunner205

    03prerunner205 New Member

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    None
     
  20. Oct 17, 2024 at 10:00 PM
    #20
    03prerunner205

    03prerunner205 New Member

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    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
     

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