1996-2004 Acura/Honda RL Outer Door Handle Replacement

Broken outer door handles on 1996-2004 Acura/Honda RL's is a common problem. This video shows you all the steps on how to replace the outer door handle on your RL if you have a broken one.
It can be difficult to access some of the parts, and disconnecting the rod from the door handle mechanism can result in breakage. Therefore I would recommend you consider purchasing the inner part of the door handle, or make sure your local parts store has it in stock before you start the procedure.
You may also need to have some parts painted, but if you get your part directly from the manufacturer you won't have to worry about that. You'll just need the color code for your vehicle which I show the location of in the video.
The best place for answers to your automotive questions: www.ericthecarg...
Check out the ETCG Blog for the latest info: www.ericthecar...
Camera: Derek Sims
Thanks for watching!
Discussion about this video: www.ericthecar...
Where I got my parts: www.acuraautom...
Tools
Body clip tool (the one that finally worked): www.jbtoolsale...
Tub-o-Towels: www.tubotowels...
Silicone spray: www.walmart.co...
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Due to factors beyond the control of EricTheCarGuy, it cannot guarantee against unauthorized modifications of this information, or improper use of this information. EricTheCarGuy assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. EricTheCarGuy recommends safe practices when working with power tools, automotive lifts, lifting tools, jack stands, electrical equipment, blunt instruments, chemicals, lubricants, or any other tools or equipment seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of EricTheCarGuy, no information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not EricTheCarGuy.

[@GHW]

I really appreciate your calm demeanor when you're working. if my dad was doing that, he would have a constant flow of explicit language spewing out of his mouth.

[@robinsmullen]

Any time I have ever worked inside a car door, on a regulator or a door lock it becomes an exercise in patience and humility. I am only a DIYer, how mechanics/technicians do this on a daily basis without losing their marbles is beyond me.

[@VCCOMM]

they do ... its then they go to small engines and relax a while

[@ericthecarguy]

We've already lost our marbles, that's why we're mechanics/technicians in the first place. ;)

[@panzerveps]

That's so true, Eric.. So true..

[@Tigerfire75]

It has always been an exercise in developing new curses for me. I hate doing it.

[@p3l1k44n1]

The fact that eric posted this video in so much detail, there shouldn't be any person who couldn't do this repair themselves after watching this video. Very thorough detail.

[@rhkips]

Absolutely stellar camera work, here! A lot of very tricky shots in very tight spaces, all very well executed. Nice! Door handles and latch mechanisms are the bane of my existence. These big, fat mitts of mine tend to get stuck in various support structures... LOL

[@ericthecarguy]

Thanks.

[@gordonfreeman5434]

I love ETCG repair videos more than the fairmont videos!!

[@shanekneeshaw3483]

Gordon Freeman agreed I don't follow the project videos sadly

[@davidh328]

Gordon Freeman Eric's videos are always worth watching whether it's the Fairmont or repair videos 👍🏼 I've been watching him for years and believe it or not this is the first comment I've ever written 😁🖐🏼

[@gordonfreeman5434]

As a long time ETCG subscriber myself, I feel honored to get you to comment.

[@DavidPlass]

Agreed. I think he's out of practice; this one was kinda boring.

[@ToddsRealm]

As always, exceptional work Eric!! But on a side note, I just did the entire install without removing the linkage that took you so long to disconnect from the plastic. I just skipped the most difficult part of the install. Turns out, it's not necessary for the job! LOL

[@danielbustamante4968]

If only i would've known that tip

[@jennabobenna3631]

Eric, you weren't lyin' about popping that metal rod out of the plastic door handle being the hardest part. My husband & I used this video to replace my driver door lock actuator. Anyhow, we used blue paint tape to cover up the exposed moisture barrier glue because that sh*t gets EvErYwHere! I appreciate all of your Acura RL videos. Thanks so much, keep doing what you do! :-)

[@160calories]

I don't even have an RL but I love your vids Eric. You've been helping me since 2011 when I got my first civic and now I can say I've saved over $10,000 with all the repairs I've done through the years. Thanks so much dude 👌🏻

[@ericthecarguy]

I never get tired of hearing how my work helps people. Thanks for the comment.

[@OnlineAutoRepairVideos]

100% agree with you on that Eric, it is such a great feeling, and it never gets old!

[@unknown243]

I wish there were someone like you and Humble Mechanic, but for Mazdas. Granted, the procedure is likely similar, and this is still great knowledge. But for all the detail you give, an the fact I don't own Hondas/Acuras...we need more of you ERIC!

[@psyclobe]

Coming from Michigan I can tell u that barrier plays a key role in cabin feel, any air leaking from that will be noticed on a cold winter night. Definitely do your best to re-seal that barrier completely anytime working in a door panel.

[@vetterfellow]

Splendid video Erick. I'm not afraid of hard work, I'll watch it being done any time.

[@ELEDUCADITO1]

thank you man what a wonderful video/tutorial. I like the fact that you had a camara person,helping you with the closeups and detail zooms

[@MrBaconstrips13]

Do have a 1996-2004 Acura RL? Can't say I do. Am I going to watch anyways? You're god damn right!

[@madmotorrepair1748]

Any random car issues, this guy has a vedio for it! you are awesome Eric!

[@R.E.HILL_]

You are very informative and enjoyable to watch. Thx for sharing.

[@ericthecarguy]

Thanks for your comment!

[@mr.h4714]

not that I'm glad you struggled with handle actuator but I'm glad you struggled nice to know the pros have similar issues as the DIY guy....keeps me motivated knowing others have issues at times.... if just give up if it was easy peezy for everyone but me great camera work great vid!!!

[@alpha_nerd_yensid]

#notmyfairmontvideo ! Sorry that I'm a little obsessed with the fairmont, but it holds a little bit of a soft spot in my soul since my first car was a 1980 fairmont, same exact color and interior, with a straight 6 and no power lol. It was a pain to start due to the carb having choke issues (which I eventually just pinned wide open) but it was mine and I knew everything about it. It's so awesome to see the transformation you are doing to yours. So i just want to see the finished project already! Only getting videos every Friday is bad enough, but to throw videos in between kills my soul!

[@240kDatsun]

Thanks for the video Eric. I enjoyed it a lot. I replaced four central locking door actuators in my Subaru Outback ( Actually Split the actuators apart and replaced the motors from $10 Honda actuators from Ebay) was just as tricky as you've shown here but worth it. Great camera work and I love the inside the door camera for extra detail. Love the Fairmont videos but also enjoy the fixit videos as well.

[@Damine88]

Exactly!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The video I needed, same car and everything. God I love KZbin 🇺🇸

[@Foxelz]

Extremely professional and easy to watch, thank you so much!

[@01topgear]

It's nice to see great repair videos again!! Thanks, Eric:)

[@mikedrz]

It's refreshing to see you working on a beater again. Too much fairmont and you can OD.

[@charlesgoepel8405]

Hey! That beater is 3 years older than my own '99 RL @130K mi.that I still love. On my own beater, the door cable just broke. I got much worse goo than Eric got. I got to the part where you need to remove the outdoor look in order to remove the interior latch assembly. Indirectly, thanks ETC!

[@suavebob]

Out of curiosity, do customers ever kick up fuss due to scratched trim panels after a repair? What I mean is when I mess with my internal panels/trim on current or past vehicles I either use plastic trim tools or a screwdriver with a bit of electrical tape over the sharp slot bit to prevent any scratches. Please don't take this as me having a go at you or telling you how to do things (your skills and experience far outweigh mine), I am asking with regards to customers in the automotive repair industry if they pick up on things like that and do you think them picking up on it is warranted? **Oh I also meant to say, thanks for the content you provide. It's very informative, well shot/edited and you seem a nice chap.

[@ericthecarguy]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/jGPGe4SsqNlmd5o

[@kendo411]

I wasn't sure if you were doing it on purpose at first with the connectors, but that made me laugh so hard I was tearing up. Especially after the have long talks with it to make it work lol. Always a good goto before you hit the fuck it stage and move to desperate measures just to get it done. Love your vids and thank you for not editing stuff like that out.

[@justsumguy2u]

I enjoyed watching this, well done. You have a lot of patience---I hate fiddly stuff, and would've lost my temper several times.

[@ksamsel5809]

I can confirm from a few other comments that it is not necessary to disconnect the linkage from the plastic that you had a lot of difficulty with. This is the second handle I replaced on my 2002 RL, only this time I skipped separating that part. It took me around 40 minutes to complete the job. You should remove that step from the video. Just a suggestion.

[@flying__fox4749]

Thanks a lot! This is exactly the video I needed to fix my mom's 1998 RL door handle.

[@traceymasterson8957]

Do you know where I can get a door handle bracket for my 1998 Acura rl? I broke the plastic trying to put the handle on.

[@flying__fox4749]

@@traceymasterson8957 Which door are you looking for? I see Part Number 72183-SZ3-003 for the front left door, and 72143-SZ3-003 for the front right. If you Google those numbers, you should be able to find sites that have them still in stock.

[@JustEnjoyingLife73]

Thanks for making this video. I need to remove the door handles of my 06 TL to get it ready for painting, and I hope the procedure is similar.

[@JustEnjoyingLife73]

Ok, I just removed the handles from my TL, and it appears removing the metal rod from inside is not necessary.

[@silasmarner7586]

The moment you started on that troublesome door rod I said out loud, "use the forked tool" . The moment you were reinstalling the window channel I said out loud, "use silicone spray". I must be on the right.. cough cough .. .track...

[@johnferguson7235]

Hey Eric, I think that you could use a piece of cord looped around the operating rod to separate it from the white plastic bracket. Thanks for another Honda/Acura repair. By the way, if you open the door with the handle and then use the other hand on the door frame to swing the door wide open, the handles don't fail.

[@tonym6920]

What a nightmare, lol. Nice work Eric!

[@zx8401ztv]

Smashing tutorial eric, that rod would have brought out my collection of swear words :) On identical connectors, ive used an indelible pen to draw a line across the faces. You looked and sounded relaxed, good :-).

[@ericthecarguy]

Good tip on the connectors. Yes, this can make you swear, but the older models don't have that piece of metal in the way and it makes things a lot easier.

[@Dcs-Brasil]

Great camera work!

[@leodvosis]

So pleasant to watch... thank you! Look forward to do the same for my car - honda accord coupe 2001

[@Mehmet-uy8cr]

the amount of wiring going to a door is just insane :D

[@michaelallen1223]

Great video. Extremely helpful. Thank you.

[@galvdeck]

had one of these cars, built like a tank, but had to do 3 of the window regulators over the years. A pain in the butt.

[@tonywahab3523]

Hey Eric! Thanks for all of the great, user friendly content and repair instructions,!!!! I was hoping that you would share a video on the Acura RL Rack and Pinion replacement. We have a 2000 RL that my wife LOVES and it needs a new rack as well as the replacement of the clock spring and tilt steering wheel motors. Do you already have videos on these topics that can help me out? I have kept up with nearly all repairs on our cars as a DIYer and could really use the help in taking on those mentioned repairs. Thanks in advance!

[@rowdygaragee]

have the same problem thank you for making a video on this !

[@thetrico]

I was tripping while eric was talking about the connectors colours and numer of pins and just trying to put the grey on the blue female and the blue male was hanging in front of his face :)

[@lowtones2]

Really well done Eric!

[@robnation2475]

6:06 While I'm working on the extra gooey RL doors I use packing tape (temporarily) to cover the goo on the door and the membrane. After getting into these doors a number of gooey times I found some heavy 3" wide vinyl tape (used for taping sheets of crawlspace plastic together) Acetone (fingernail polish remover) is the only thing to get rid of this slime. (much worse in the summer temps btw) I finally removed it from my car doors almost entirely. Now I don't need to shave my arm hair off after working on one.

[@steffydog]

Fab, well done Eric, great video.

[@dimitricrozier6426]

Thanks for the vid. I replaced mine now it won't open from the outside.

[@matthewcaldwell1563]

Keep it coming love the show !!!!!

[@jrharvey3146]

Prying the door rod out of the white plastic is not the easiest way. Remove the exterior handle, loosen the exterior screw and the plastic retainer and rod come out together. When you look at the back side of the rod, there is a one way plastic retainer, that is why it doesn't come out easily and yet inserts easily.

[@jbdragonlance]

Ok on the subject of doors. How to replace a driver side inside door handle on a 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee? My mom's Jeep one broke about a year ago and I was wondering how easy it was. Shame I don't live near you so you could look at it.

[@MJTAUTOMOTIVE]

Hello Eric, Next time you do that sort of repair to a door, once the door trim (card) is removed. Put some masking tape over the glue (sticky shit) on the door frame to stop getting it everywhere. Other wise you will find that stuff (sticky shit) hours after after you have finished the job.. Cheers Mark.

[@ericthecarguy]

Great idea!

[@NebukedNezzer]

The moral of this story is don't mistreat your door handle or you will be sad.

[@enjoygolf]

I have 2004 TL and passenger door cap is lost/dropped. Will you instruct me how to remove a metal part that attaches a plastic cap?

[@jacobsebert2404]

pocket screwdriver, mans best friend

[@iflipbricks]

I have a 1997 Acura rl. Would the procedure be the same for the back door handles or easier?

[@Genefetters-tc1gv]

Word of advice to your viewers the rod on the door handle does not have to be removed it's not connected to the handle I just did one on a 96 model it should be the same

[@ZeeTheG_]

I guess that electrical connector is the only time I'm justified in saying: "Eric! You're doing it wrong!".

[@arsaeterna4285]

NO NEED TO UNHOOK the inner cable from the handle you just slide it to the side and the handle comes out NO NEED TO REMOVE the plastic keyhole cover it's secured from the inside, removed as a whole to access the bolt underneath

[@rowdygaragee]

Que Dableyou im gonna try to do it without disconnecting it

[@raymonds.9021]

I have an issue: my cars front passenger door cannot open from inside nor out. Normally you would remove the interior door handle simply removing the center screw and popping off the handle and its housing but my car (1997 Acura RL) has 2 screws holding it in place from the back that are located behind the door panel. Normally you would take off the door panels outter screws and it would come out but some of said screws are behind the C Pillar. I guess my main question is if someone has knowledge is what would be my best course of action to get that door open? All of the common options seem unfit for the situation it seems to me.

[@IsadoreWoW]

Classic etcg, thanks!

[@bjdj2720]

Hey idk if you will respond but I'm going both interior and exterior door handle for the passenger side and the door lock is a pain trying to get out and I don't know if I'm doing something wrong or what but if you respond it be cool if there any advice on it

[@jamespappas4236]

Eric have you got any plans yet for when you reach 1 million subs?

[@ericthecarguy]

Vacation?

[@ranararon]

You said to watch and not BREAK the one plastic past. Will I did and it was a friends car. But the problem was she close the door and both handle dont work. plz help

[@ozzstars_cars]

Nice fix. I'm curious if you are planning on having an ETCG meet up this year? Thanks

[@ericthecarguy]

I'm not sure if I'll have one at the shop, but here's what I'm thinking at this point. www.ericthecarguy.com/blog/1895-february-2017-newsletter

[@ozzstars_cars]

Thanks for the response and link. I just signed up for your newsletter (after watching your vids for years), lots of gearhead info there. Nice! I also learned how you got into Ytube fixing cars, interesting story. Take it easy - Glen

[@KiaSorento-tu5op]

Nice!! Love repair vids

[@silent_insanity3631]

Not looking forward to fixing a bmw 330i with the door handle broken completely off from a cold morning this winter that just made the plastic brittle and the door was frozen shut... Done them before but not with doors that have air bags in them, is there anything extra to be concerned about? besides German cars being complete puzzles lol

[@ahoorakia]

do you have video on 98-02 accord front driver side?

[@BeeABaw]

No wonder acura's feel so solid and quiet, never seen so much foam on a door panel. My Jetta is practically a piece of thin cloth.... sound so hollow.

[@jbspecs]

so what do I do if the plastic unit that rod is attached to is broken?

[@cemeloks]

ohhh you do repair videos?

[@johnlai2011]

no need to pry that difficult thing, handle can still go in without prying that thing out!

[@Dcs-Brasil]

Thank you !

[@scottmarquiss7941]

with your stumble with the connectors hooking up. . .You've just proven to 900K+ viewers that your human, and can make mistakes!

[@apriestbailey]

Thanks

[@Tigerfire75]

Eric you have to be easier on your door handles or else you might break them.

[@carslover3509]

so great but im still see the old tools box ?

[@dil6969]

This video was probably recorded before he purchased the new box. ETCG1 represents his most up-to-date content.

[@carslover3509]

Dylan Lewis thanks I see now

[@ericthecarguy]

You'll be seeing it for some time to come too. Many of my videos are shot months in advance.

[@jordanblount850]

At 2:26 you are pulling on that purple plastic piece holding the cable in place, do you happen to know what that purple piece is or if i could find a replacement for it?

[@jordanblount850]

Ok 😂😂😂😂

[@pirana6]

Eric/Anybody, Where did the hand-held light come from? I know you've mentioned it a million times but I can't find it. Thanks!

[@179kook7]

What size is your cart I want to get one for work

[@whitepeaksmedia1065]

Does anybody know if this process is very similar to a 2004 Acura MDX?

[@vibingwithvinyl]

I like your videos but I hate that ending sound. It's so loud and sudden. Your video sound is usually calm, collected and even mellow. Then it ends with a loud bang, figuratively speaking. Annoying. Otherwise, top stuff.

[@donald1056]

Could have used a small hose clamp tool to remove the rod in the door - just like pliers but made to remove hose - suggestion only - very hard to work in a vehicle door

[@ericthecarguy]

Honestly I don't think you'd be able to get a pair of those in there. It's very awkward.

[@donald1056]

Your very right - not much room to work - very awkward - or you can possibly use long needle nose - maybe - or maybe bend the end of a a coat hanger to do it

[@matari7407]

Hi Eric, great video. I have 97 Corolla that swapped the motor for a 96 with computer and all but now when I start the car the starter stays on and have to shut it down. It was running fine before I pulled it out of the other car. Please help

[@WillFigs823]

Hey Eric, where can I get a pocket screw driver like the one you use. I've been looking for one for months with no luck.

[@danh2134]

I got mine at a job fair , ask the tool truck guy they might still give them away

[@RobertWilliamChase]

That how I got mine, off mac 25 plus years ago. I would check e-bay if you have a hard time seeing a truck

[@ericthecarguy]

I got mine from the tool distributors I've dealt with. You might check your local auto parts store. Sometimes they have them as well.

[@rick_fortune]

You can also get them from Electronics Stores. We get them all the time from Jaycar Electronics here in Australia. They're sometimes referred to as Jeweller's Screwdrivers. The real good thing about em is they come in a set of 5 or so and the small ones can tighten up the tiny screws in your sunglasses arms.

[@tanitrahale6803]

My 2002 rl battery keeps draining don't know why

[@ksamsel5809]

My 2002 RL was doing the same thing. One morning my wife discovered the dome light on long after she locked the car. I installed a new OEM dome light and no more battery drain. Apparently faulty dome lights are a known issue.

[@MyPepepancho]

thanks !!!!

[@christopherl5755]

Wow, you build the fairmont, then decide it's not good enough, and build it again with better faster parts, buying a new snap on tool box in the process, and then you worry about getting a stain on a pair of jeans. just wow.

[@kaciecarter7119]

Ok somebody help because my inside and outside handle is broken

[@2CrazEy1]

same problem for the 90s Toyota Camrys but they are so reliable.

[@brycelund7155]

Are you going to do a review on your Milwaukee drill on Wednesday?

[@Randaljoness]

That’s black not gray idk if you know or not

[@dandaly2998]

Been waiting years for this video.....but my Acura is a 1988.

[@ericthecarguy]

Those door handles rarely had issues.

[@dandaly2998]

I'm unlucky since both external door handles got broken. Now I can't buy them at Honda.

[@j.r.graham6117]

"with the screws removed the lock assembly should fall back inside the door" 11:33 along with the rubber window track. jk

[@chadharmon5716]

Holly electrical connectors Batman wow

[@naomiraffle4345]

i like watching, if the glue don,t come of later use a ice cube it will work.

[@msfraser82]

Screaming at the screen, wrong connector Eric!

[@JSchrumm]

So that's the sticky shit that was on the door card of the Impala, Why did you need to get inside the door of a brand new car?

[@albertcrawford1922]

hey Eric my cousins ford F150 is stuck in anti theft have any explanation on this if so please let me know!!

[@WCGwkf]

hey Eric, I have a problem with my 96 ranger 4.0l I can't figure out for the life of me. I've narrowed it down to the alternator and it's not sending power to the battery. I got it bench tested good and installed a new voltage regulator too. In any wiring configuration, and my last one being the b post disconnected and the positive terminal disconnected and the truck running off of another cars engine jumped to the positive cable so it isolates the alternator to rule out ground shorts. when I do this and test straight from the alternator post to the battery post I get about 6 volts then it drops and holds at 1 volt in 5 seconds. I hope that makes sense. thanks. I've already thrown about 150 bucks into this problem with no solution and buying an alternator isn't making sense.

[@dinobot_maximize]

so much damn plastic where a lot of stress goes on like a leveraging door handle.

[@JohnDoe-uq3mx]

i'd ask if that's a single bay but i should know by now xD.

[@leedress2187]

thank you for squeezing in a regular repair video.

[@jakubpolomsky]

Hi! Does anybody have an idea how to upgrade the ecu on this car? I have the same model as this one but without OBD and I'd like to swap the necessary things to have it in my car. Can anybody point me to a direction where I can achieve this?

[@johnferguson7235]

Impossible to do. You would have to switch out many parts; essentially re-wiring the car.

[@ericthecarguy]

Honda ECU's of this vintage are not programmable, and on this model directly tied into the immobilizer system. In other words, you can't really swap ECU's in these vehicles.