Toyota Tacoma Door Handle/Lock Assembly Replacement 2002 (2001-2004 Similar)

[@BigDog50001]

*Tools and Parts* This channel earns a small commission using some of these links - at no additional cost to you. Door Panel Clips: amzn.to/2NkJxXu Aftermarket Door Handles: amzn.to/34E3r6c Genuine Toyota Door Handle (Left): amzn.to/2AdBIuQ Genuine Toyota Door Handle (Right): amzn.to/2NWBdNZ Lisle Trim Tool: amzn.to/2NW8CZ6 My Favorite Door Trim Screwdriver: amzn.to/2Ac44pn Telescoping Magnet: amzn.to/2NV1iNh Pocket LED Light: amzn.to/2N7gbwF GearWrench Ratchets: amzn.to/34EhUyP GearWrench Sockets: amzn.to/2LsoJMh Long Pliers Set: amzn.to/31VLKwr Window Crank Removal Tool: amzn.to/33MmydF The Big Dog 50001 Automotive Channel Store can be found here: www.amazon.com/shop/bigdog50001automotive

[@martinhousemuse]

Trying to pry the internal handle loose between the rod and the clip scares me. Feels like that plastic piece will break before it bends to free it up.

[@christ0pherspear-vn6po]

Why can't yall show how to remove door and give tools required

[@12ealDealOfficial]

Felt bad because my dad regularly lets me drive his truck, but his latch was on the fritz (at 265,000 miles, it's a miracle it still held up). Lo and behold, the thing shattered one day when I was getting in. Thanks to you, I can have it swapped before he's the wiser.

[@rrisley]

I would have never been able to do this without the thouroughness of your video. The handle clip was a bear. Would never have gotten if off. And, the close up for reattaching clip was so important. Thank you.

[@Dav777]

Life saver. This video is hands down the best! Everything he says is on point. Once you go in, there is no going back. I made it through. A tip for a novice like me...use lubricant on everything!

[@BigDog50001]

👍

[@RichardPhillips-o8z]

I cannot THANK YOU enough! - TOYOTA wanted $1,100.00 to do this job - (WHICH I DIDN'T HAVE) - I did it in an afternoon - with your help - The directions were clear - easy to follow - and a lifesaver! THANK YOU!

[@cyfry9143]

There are lots of videos out there with the same content, but this guy does it right shows everything and makes it very simple. Thank you so much for this video.

[@ronb6182]

Much better video than the last one I watched. On the last video the guy already had the panel off. It was useless to finish watching.. I give this video thumbs up and 5 *****'s. 73

[@november720]

Great video. I appreciate how thorough your explanations were. Rods and clips were a bit tricky, but with your video and some cussing, I got through it. Cheers

[@kristoffermiller4401]

This is the exaxt problem I have with each door respectively. Finding this amazing video is a Godsend! Thank you good sir and God Bless

[@LauraHenneforth]

I was able to use this guidance for a 1999 Tacoma, and made the mistake you indicated, buying a cheap part which I replaced again with the Toyota original part and it was like night and day. Thank you for posting this! None of the other videos I watched on this topic were nearly this thorough and helpful.

[@BigDog50001]

Glad it helped, thanks for the comment!

[@brianlee5455]

You sir are The Toyota Door Handle Whisperer! Very good deal that I watched! Have to do this same job now I have a clue!!

[@BigDog50001]

Thank you, I appreciate the comment!

[@dpm1964]

This was incredibly helpful. I have a 2002 Tacoma as well that had a bad passenger side door handle. No more. Took about an hour. Thanks so much!

[@jeffhumphries2453]

Thanks for the thorough and easy to follow video. I'll replace mine tomorrow. Toyota wanted 94.00. Aftermarket 10.95,I'll take my chances.

[@BigDog50001]

👍

[@stevanrose7439]

Even on Amazon the oem part it around a hundred bucks. I just ordered one for 15.00. I’m gonna check it out and see if I can beef up the area with some jb weld before I put it on. And I’m gonna try to fix the old one for a spair.

[@irarubinson9471]

A little patience and consulted the video a few times in process and got it changed. No problems.

[@paullaws3889]

Thanks, I just bought a 1999 Tacoma with 277,000 miles on it and this video will be very handy.

[@BigDog50001]

Thanks for the comment!

[@rccaraddict294]

This is EXACTLY what is wrong with my 2000 Tacoma , thanks for sharing

[@BigDog50001]

Glad it helped, thanks for the comment!

[@dalmatiangirl61]

Thanks! The handle on my toyota broke a month ago, tired of having to leave the window down, and its a 4 hour drive to a repair shop, new parts now ordered.

[@BigDog50001]

Glad it helped, thanks for the comment!

[@johnnyrc9304]

Just what I needed, ordered the part, and changed the door handle in an hour and a half. THANK YOU for posting this!

[@BigDog50001]

You bet 👍!

[@Olddog-Wiserdog]

These videos save us all time and money. Use the links to buy something next time you need it. No I don't know the guy.

[@r.g.3636]

thank you so much..... my mechanic is being a total flake on me,, so your wonderful informational video has inspired me to do it myself....!!!!

[@BigDog50001]

Glad it was helpful, thanks for watching!

[@jimnjanetriffle4496]

Could not have done the latch replacement without your video/tips. Many thanks. Our latch/plastic handle broke after 22 years (a 2001). It got harder and harder to open the door as if the door hook/pawl was sticking, but turned out to be at the end of the long rod sticking way down in there and with spray lube and exercise fixed the underlying sticking/stiffness problem. Now the door pops open. Still have to take the door panel off to get the spray nozzle down in there. Our truck has always lived outside in AZ. sun. Pair of handles for $10 on EBAY. They seem just fine to me. One panel clip broke, but panel snapped back on good.

[@mikedohracks7552]

Went to open my door the other day on my 02 Tacoma and the handle snapped and broke. Thank you I was able to replace it with the help of your video

[@BigDog50001]

Glad it helped, thanks for the comment!

[@decentcupid5354]

Thank you for the guide, it was very helpful and I got this done after only 2 watches of your video. Much appreciated.

[@33fastcar]

Thanks! Took me 20/25 minutes to replace the drivers side door handle. My Tacoma is a TRD from 2004. I call it my ToyoTA-TA because the coma is on the ranch somewhere.

[@arthurfricchione8119]

Don't own a Toyota but all of your videos are enjoyable. Always pick up some useful techniques. Thanks Artie 👍👍

[@BigDog50001]

I appreciate the comments from you as always, thanks!

[@mikekielczewski3500]

Thanks so much for the step by step sequence video. I’m a new (2003) Tacoma owner. It’s hard for me when KZbin mechanics show the panel off of the door and try to explain everything. I need to see what I am doing. THANKS! AND Subscribed!

[@BigDog50001]

Glad it helped, thanks for the comment and welcome!

[@excmesh]

Dude, you make the best Tacoma DIY videos. Helped me so much with restoring my new 300k Taco. Thanks!

[@BigDog50001]

I appreciate the comment, thank you!

[@gunterfamily8498]

Thank you so much for this video! It gave me the confidence and know-how to fix my driver door lock. It took me about an hour and half (I am novice!!) --- and my son now thinks I am the coolest mom ever!! :)

[@BigDog50001]

Nice job mom! I am glad it helped, thank you for the comment!

[@jayhutt1]

One of the best instructional videos I’ve ever seen!

[@BigDog50001]

I appreciate the comment, thank you!

[@kristoffermiller4401]

It really is

[@f15H8ul8]

thanks for this vid.was very helpful .at some point someone replaced the handles on my truck with those cheap aftermarket ones. both doors are now broken to where u cant open them at all from the outside. so i'm dealing with that now.driving around in the freezing cold with at least one window rolled down at all times so i dont accidentally lock myself out haha. definitely buy the toyota ones folks;) thanks again mate. cheers!

[@BigDog50001]

Thank you, I appreciate the comment!

[@gailferguson7855]

Thanks much...just followed this step by step & it was great...hardest part was getting that upper rod detached.

[@BigDog50001]

They can be a pain, thanks for the comment!

[@brianqb]

Agreed. I just followed it step by step and replaced in 20 mins. 7 of that was getting the upper rod detached, eventually broke the clip myself.

[@autopartswarehouse]

Great vid, Big Dog50001! The instructions were thoroughly discussed. Not to mention, the additional tips, too. Very informative.

[@BigDog50001]

Thank you!

[@JeremySnavely]

This was very helpful! Without your video I would have had an extremely challenging time figuring this out. Took about an hour but saved me a lot of cash I'm sure.

[@BigDog50001]

Glad it helped, thanks for the comment!

[@craigumanoff951]

Very nice, clear, simple work. Thanks much. Come to Portland Or and I'll buy you a beer.

[@codecanuck547]

Excellent! I have the exact issue on wife's tacoma drivers side. Cracked in same spot. Had a little fun with her and the secret opening method. New handle from Toyota $133.84! Ouch. Thanks for the video Big Dog. Got major points. ps. the passenger door key unlock is real stiff, hard to turn, and pulling the top unlock tab from inside is really hard to pull up. But handle and key unlock/lock does work. Thanks in advance.

[@BigDog50001]

I appreciate the comment, thank you!

[@heibybello8864]

Thank you so very much for your video. I was able to fix my door. It took me an hour 🤗🤗and only broke one nail 😢 woop woop!!!

[@BigDog50001]

lol, thanks!

[@radicalrenegade8528]

As always another enjoyable video my friend! Honda and Toyota repairs a plenty here and all are fun to watch and informative. I really like your tool reviews too! Maybe someday a Corvette video?

[@BigDog50001]

One of these days I will film a Corvette repair! Thanks for the comment!

[@JM-sy5qv]

just bought the pliers and the genuine handle from your links. thanks m8

[@BigDog50001]

I appreciate the support, thank you!

[@BigDog50001]

Be sure to subscribe for more tool and car repair videos! kzbin.info twitter.com/BigDog50001 instagram.com/bigdog50001/ Disclosure: This channel earns a small commission using some of these links - at no additional cost to you. The Big Dog 50001 Automotive Channel Store can be found here: www.amazon.com/shop/bigdog50001automotive

[@wyattoneable]

Good tutorial. I actually have the special tool that removes those pesky clips. Haven't used it in years but they sure are handy when the time comes.

[@BigDog50001]

Thanks Wyatt!

[@MOUSEBOWEN]

Super awesome video thank you so much for sharing the video and information about the door clips I’m ordering those today

[@RichadTheLionHeat]

Great jazz at the beginning of your video. Extremely informative, helpful and learned a lot. Thank you. I passed it on to others. 👍🏻🙏🏻😉✝️🇺🇸

[@seamusland8526]

Thanks! Fixed, quicker than I thought. Gotta be gentle on those clips for sure.

[@BrotherBrontoHub]

Great video, process is the same for trucks with factory electronic locks too

[@jeffrey5703]

Thanks a million for posting! I'm going to tackle a lock replacement .

[@santiagoperez2793]

Thanks this was very helpful. My project for this weekend

[@jeffmeyer9319]

Dude, you are methodical. Thank-you!

[@diakanos]

Thanks, it was a great help. Got it done no problem. cheers.

[@BigDog50001]

Glad it helped, thanks for the comment!

[@Mick_Pickle]

My 01 Toyota Tacoma cheap door handle lasted 3 yrs. I am back to refresh my memory before installing my 2nd cheap door handle.

[@BigDog50001]

You did pretty good going three years with an aftermarket handle.

[@Mick_Pickle]

Yep. I finished installing. Drivers side FYI. If you look at the handle, part of the plastic on the end extends as a lever to open the door. That is the weak spot where mine snapped.

[@andrewt9590]

THANK YOU FOR THE VIDEO . MY DOOR HANDLE IS LOOSE NOT BROKEN

[@BigDog50001]

👍

[@gilbertruvalcaba121]

Great video, i just did it on my truck and it worked thanks

[@CoreyMathery]

Thanks a ton for the video man! Got my dads truck all fixed up! Much appreciated!

[@BigDog50001]

Glad it helped, thanks for the comment!

[@JesusTorres-tz9px]

Thanks man yuo make look ease and it’s the way you explain it…thanks a lot again

[@dannymccoy8595]

I have found that of all of the cheap after market door handles, Dorman is adequate. They are in the $20 range and should last three years. That is a good middle ground especially for the passenger door if it isn't used too much. On my next driver's side door blowout, I will spring for the OEM version. By the way, if you change your handle too often due to cheap handles then you will eventually break the clip for the lock. It's he pink one in the video, the driver's side clip is purple and those clips are actually available from Toyota.

[@BigDog50001]

Thanks for the input!

[@philipkelly3697]

good vid! More advice for you out there....your handle likely keeps breaking because that dang linkage inside the door to the handle rod keeps binding. You can see it going down from the handle and connecting to the inner hand rod. Spray the mess out of that linkage with your favorite lubricant. Then work the inside door handle rod (the one that is parallel to the ground when you have the door panel off) back and forth 20-30 times to really get that linkage working smoothly again. My new handle wouldn't even work until I did this and now it's like new. Also to gain access to the bolt closest to the door edge pop off that little rubber piece then you can stick your socket extension in straight. Don't know if that was mentioned in the vid. Happy wrenchin!

[@BigDog50001]

👍

[@gcruz1637]

Thank you...very helpful to remove the panel when I did some work back there.👍

[@BigDog50001]

Glad it was helpful, thanks for watching!

[@rondaford8979]

Help! I replaced the exterior door handle as you instructed. The interior handle works but I still cannot get the exterior handle to open the door and is hard to pull. What did I do wrong?

[@rockomapaw13]

complete detail..excellent video

[@BigDog50001]

@rockomapaw13 thanks for the comment!

[@davidrivera4901]

Thank you very much!! You are a great instructor.

[@BigDog50001]

I appreciate the comment, thanks!

[@TheDisgruntledMechanic]

great video as always! Thanks Dave.

[@BigDog50001]

I always appreciate the comments Mike, thanks!

[@owenhebert9206]

Great video. About to change driver side out in 02 tacoma

[@BigDog50001]

Thanks!

[@roymtz3701]

thank you. spot right on. i'm ordering passenger side handle now.

[@BigDog50001]

Thanks for the comment!

[@katelnshillow8221]

What kind of aftermarket system is that or could you tell me the wire you tapped into because im trying to install on now in my tacoma and im having zero luck on the acuators working

[@krisriley249]

Any idea where to get the bolts? I dropped one in the door I can't get out. Also, always use the OEM on these. I have replaced mine 3 times with the cheapies.

[@scotmetcalf2745]

Ya Toyota wants $168 got mine at Auto Zone for $38! If I replace in 5 years still worth $38!! Lol great video appreciate your attention to detail

[@MattPainter504]

Very thorough, thank you

[@mexvaleria15]

If my driver side no longer opens with the key can I switch it out with the passenger side lock?

[@joshhemminger2564]

Excellent, informative video

[@BigDog50001]

Thanks!

[@yo1583]

I just want to say thank you.

[@BigDog50001]

I appreciate the comment, thanks!

[@TheLovestory017]

Thank for your video. It is such a great video

[@BigDog50001]

Thanks for the comment!

[@mckenziekeith7434]

I have a 99 tacoma. But basically it is the exact same process. The armrest/handle thing is a little different, but that won't confuse anybody.

[@robr2389]

That was informative. I'm having that trouble with my 2003 Tacoma. Door opening was always hinky. Now, lock is jammed up. I got the door panel off. As far as I got. Have to get the new handle.

[@MOUSEBOWEN]

Awesome video 😊But First Coffee ☕️ 😆 thanks for sharing

[@ChristianPerez-xd8zq]

I have the exact same truck in that model. How did you geg the doors too lock with the control? Is thag the viper kit?

[@BigDog50001]

Not sure which company makes it but it is an aftermarket kit, I did not install it.

[@unclegeorge7845]

Nice program. Great use of tools. But; I watched the whole thing to watch the latch assembly come out of the door. I'm not so lucky to find a disconnected rod.

[@wilberleoni]

Very good video

[@esdrasbamaca]

Thank you mister .. job finish

[@BigDog50001]

Thanks for the comment 👍!

[@jayleetuil9984]

Thanks very much! especially for the ok to bust that dagnabbit clip! ;)

[@BigDog50001]

lol, thanks for the comment!

[@djbarela4]

What if the metal things with the clips breaks off like the one with the yellow clip

[@mrtube1024]

Thanks you sir i will try it for my 2004 Toyota Pick up. I hope it works for me

[@BigDog50001]

Good luck and thanks for the comment!

[@fuzzydan4544]

Thanks for this helpful Upload. My door knob is now fixed.. ;)

[@BigDog50001]

Glad it helped you out, thanks for the comment!

[@MB-nn3rx]

Did your truck come with the lock actuators or did you install them? If you did can you drop a link for a pair?

[@BigDog50001]

This truck already had those installed on the vehicle. Not sure where they were purchased or who installed them.

[@BADD400]

Great video. Thanks for sharing

[@BigDog50001]

Thank you!

[@DrNark420]

Hey y’all on the door handle rods, he breaks the yellow clip. That’s okay to beak because the replacement handle will come with one. DONT break the orange one for the lock. No replacing that one Also, don’t need to disconnect the interior handle I found out. Just refit it though the hole in the panel it’ll fit in and out. (No homo)

[@r.g.3636]

GOOD JOB.....!!!!! thanks again

[@BigDog50001]

You bet 👍!

[@speckitis]

Very helpful, thank you!

[@BigDog50001]

Glad it helped, thanks for the comment!

[@neil3747]

Where do you get those long pliers at? I’m 90% done, but cant reach in to get the handle off the clips without that tool. Also, I broke the door panel clips to. I’m assuming the door panel will be alright if a few clips are missing...??

[@BigDog50001]

Here is a link to the pliers: amzn.to/31VLKwr There is a link to the door panel clips in the description. If you broke too many the clips will have to be replaced.

[@neil3747]

Just finished. Thanks for taking time to put this on KZbin. Your video was easy to interpret, straight forward.

[@BigDog50001]

Good to hear you got it done, thanks for the comment!

[@petedog1017]

What If I just have to replace the lock? Can I just take the lock out? Or do I have to take the whole door handle out?

[@BigDog50001]

I think it's probably best to remove handle first.

[@timothyriley4209]

Does anyone know what Toyota calls the cloth trim piece that surrounds the window-wind and the door handle? I need to replace it on my 02 but having a hard time finding it without the proper name.

[@timothyriley4209]

Maybe it isn't a separate piece? All part of the door panel?

[@cmscms123456]

While you have the passenger side door lock cylinder out.. copy down that 5 digit number. that is your key code... If you ever need a new key cut. Toyota charges $50 to look it up using your VIN number.

[@ChristianPerez-xd8zq]

Are all of the nine clips the same size?

[@BigDog50001]

Yes they should be.

[@armandogonzalez9242]

Anyone know where I can get the automatic door actuator?

[@RegisteredNurseLA]

I buy everythibg oem toyota, only cry once. 100$ for a new one is tough to swallow but ik that cheap 12$ amazon one is gonna break after a year or two, after 25 years the oem one has broken off. I got a text from my sis that she broke it now Im gonna place an order for a new one. Thx for the vid.

[@BigDog50001]

OEM is usually the best choice, especially for door handles. Thanks for the comment!

[@stevanrose7439]

I have already replaced the driver side handle and then noticed the passenger one was broken also. I called the local auto store and got one for 25.00 dollars. I bought jb weld and mixed up enough to add strength to the weak places on these handles And I will repair the old one for a spair I’ve got less then fifty bucks in both of them doing the repair myself it’s not a hard job.

[@Toycoma]

My passenger side just broke. Almost 21 years old. Explain why my driver side which gets all the use, is fine.

[@kevinblough2853]

lol you are so right i put new handle on 1 year ago and first frozen day it broke i have one on oder

[@77.88.]

They make a special door crank removal tool that removes the spring clip and cost very little!

[@BigDog50001]

Yep and I showed it later in the video, you must not have gotten to that part yet.

[@JoseOrtiz-zb7gq]

Awesome. Ty

[@jasperbumgart1891]

If you search, you can find an all metal aftermarket one.

[@luisfonseca687]

upgrade your 1st Gen Tacoma door handles with Trubuilt Tacoma Metal Handles for durable replacements!