How to Install Exterior Door Handles on a Toyota Corolla

Installing a new exterior door handle for a 1998-2002 Toyota Corolla (with manual windows) can appear to be easier than it looks. It is not a labor intensive project, but it will require patience and completion of several minor tasks before getting to the actual task of removing the old door handle and installing the new one.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

things you'll need:

• Exterior Door Handle
• Medium Phillips Head Screwdriver
• Ten-Millimeter Wrench
• Manual Window Handle Release Clip
• Small Flashlight

Suggest Edits

1. Installing an Exterior Door Handle on a 1998-2002 Toyota Corolla

   • 1

     Remove the door panel. Remove the screw (use Phillips head screwdriver) holding in place the interior door opener (set the screw aside). Remove the clip from the the top rubber portion of the interior door handle. Unscrew the two screws (use the Phillips head screwdriver). Make sure the window is rolled down to avoid removing an unnecessary screw from the window rolling mechanism. Place the window handle release clip in the inner portion of the window handle. Turn the handle until it comes off. Pull the remaining portion of the door panel which is clipped to the door frame from the six plastic clips on the outer portion of the panel. Pull the door panel over the inside door lock.

   • 2

     Remove the inner clear plastic weather lining. Remove the three 10 millimeter bolts that hold the exterior door handle in place. Remove the small pole that controls the door latch; it is clipped to the upper portion of the handle from the clip that is in the upper portion of the old handle. Remove the old handle.

   • 3

     Place the new handle into the hole. Clip the small pole into the clip of the upper portion of the new handle. Test the handle to make sure the door latches and unlatches properly. Install the three 10 millimeter bolts and tighten. Reattach the clear plastic lining.

   • 4

     Place the remaining portion of the door panel onto the six plastic clips on the outer portion of the panel. Pull it over the inside door lock. Make sure the interior door opener is also placed through the provided opening in the door panel. Place the window handle release clip in the inner portion of the window handle. Turn the handle until it is snug back onto the turning mechanism. Screw the two screws to the interior door handle (use the Phillips head screwdriver). Replace the top rubber portion of the handle and snap it back into place. Place the single screw back into the door opener and tighten.

Tips & Warnings

• I would recommend having an assistant nearby to provide light when removing and installing the door handle and to handle organization of screws and bolts. I would also recommend having a pole magnet readily available in case a screw is dropped into the door frame.