How to Replace / Fix A Toyota Corolla Door Handle (98-02)

Replace / Fix A Toyota Corolla Door Handle (98-02)

It seems like broken passenger side door handles have been a big problem for this generation of Toyota Corolla. I had the same problem so I decided to document and share it. This is based on my experience with some tips from other people I found that had the same problem with their corollas.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

things you'll need:

• New handle
• Flat and Philips head screwdrivers
• 10mm socket and wrench

1. • 1
     

     First line of business - remove the door panel. The most obvious first screw is right above the interior handle.

   • 2
     

     Pull off the arm rest. Get some leverage under one side and just pull. You can use the flat head screwdriver to push in some of the pins inside to pull it out more easily but just a good little bit of force should do the trick. Unscrew the two newly revealed screws underneath.

   • 3
     

     To remove the window crank (if applicable) push the washer back toward the panel while pulling the crank toward yourself to expose the metal safety clip. Pry out the safety clip with the flat head screwdriver and the crank will come off. (Don't be shy about using as much force as necessary with the clip as it is made of malleable metal you can easily bend back if it's bent out too far)

   • 4
     

     Remove the door panel by prying it off screw by screw. A little force is necessary but not enough to break the plastic

   • 5
     

     Pull the door panel off but leave the interior handle hanging there on the door itself as it does not come off with the panel.

   • 6
     

     Pull the plastic seal off. This may be a bit sticky, and don't remove more of it than you need as you will later need to re-seal this.

   • 7
     

     Unscrew the three screws from the inside of the broken handle with the 10mm socket and wrench. Don't drop the screws inside the door, as there is a chance you may lose them in the pocket of oblivion to the right. If you do, you can get them out with a good magnet or just buy some new ones. (they're about 40 cents at a hardware store)

   • 8
     

     Remove the old handle by pushing it out from the door and undoing it from the metal door handle rod. (for the handle pictured, you will have to squeeze the one side of the bright green piece and push out through the other.)

   • 9
     

     Take off the old handle but leave the gold colored locking mechanism in place like so.

   • 10
     

     Install the new handle in the same manner you took off the old handle. Finagle it in left to right around the bulky top end and the existing lock. Slide the lock through the hole in the handle designated for it. Once that snaps in you're ready to put the panel back together, so work backward from step 7.

Tips & Warnings

• Buy a new handle on Ebay, as you can find one there for about $15. When I went to Auto Zone and Advance Auto Parts they were charging between $30-$35.

• Do not drop screws or bolts in the right side of the door. You may lose them and not be able to get them out of the little pocket in the corner.