Broken Honda Door Handle Cables - Door Won't Open

Broken Honda Door Handle Cables - Door Won't Open. In this video I show some tips for replacing the inside door handle cables on seventh generation Honda Accords. This problem effects both coupes and sedans. This will cover Accords from 2003-2007. Enjoy!
Here is a video showing complete removal of door latch/lock actuator assembly (including door cable) on a 2004 Honda Accord Sedan • Honda Accord Door Lock...
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[@BigDog50001]

I should have mentioned it in the video but this issue is not limited to just the 7th generation Accords. From around 2003-2010 (give or take) Civics, Odysseys, Pilots, CR-Vs and others can be effected by this same problem. *Tools* This channel makes a small commission using these links - at no cost to you JIS #3 Crosshead Bits: amzn.to/2YGIrfG Milwaukee 2850 1/4" Impact Driver: amzn.to/2KIFelZ

[@LiveYourBestLife33]

Dont talk bad about the 7th Gen Honda's!!...LOL jk...

[@toolman67]

Wife has a 2005 Honda Accord coupe and the passenger door will not open. Figuring the cable broke and now cannot even open from outside. Any suggestions?

[@Doing_Time]

just bought 8th gen civic and driver side interior rear door handle doesn't work...I'm assuming it's something like this but don't want to have to take it apart, try to figure out what/where to buy cable/parts, put it together until part arrives, take it all apart again... you got a video and where does one find the proper names/part numbers for these cables?

[@globalinkmfg]

I drilled 2 holes in the plastic, then placed 1 zip tie behind the broken green plastic keeper with 2 more zip ties inside the 1 placed around the green part. Then took the 2 zip ties and that are retained inside the one behind the green plastic keeper and ran them through the 2 holes. I did this with 2 of my 4 doors and its been working great for many years. Cheap easy, 5 minute fix.

[@ClamBlue]

Don't bother replacing this cable. It's thin plastic that will just break again. Just get a piece of duct tape and wrap the entire plastic making sure the broken section line up as close as possible. The tape should go past the plastic about 1/8 inch. Wrap only one layer overlapping about half otherwise it will be too thick to push it in metal retainer. Use your fingers to mold the tape onto the plastic piece. It will take a bit of force to push it into place. The metal retainer will hold the tough duct tape in place. I've done this to three doors on two cars and it's still fine after several years.

[@oscarmartinez8435]

This works!!!! It worked on my 07 Ridgeline both front cables broke while upgrading speakers. I ordered the new cables but I’ll wait to install them until this fails then I’ll install the new cables.

[@ManuelCamarena0725]

I was going to order the cables but will try this method first

[@ClamBlue]

I forgot to mention that to change this cable is a pain in the butt because you have to take apart the entire door lock actuator.

[@ericwanyonyi2445]

Just broke on my TL. Will try it out

[@stevef4010]

Thanks...I was scrolling down to see if anyone tried this. How long does it take to do this? I haven't popped the door panel off yet, but I got this on both doors 2005 EX.

[@bengregoire]

This is the best video on KZbin for these door latches. Thank you for making this.

[@BigDog50001]

Glad it helped, thanks for the comment!

[@keepyour2cents218]

your videos couldn't be more perfect thank you for taking the time to explain every detail

[@BigDog50001]

I appreciate the comment, thanks!

[@joedominick7517]

Big Dog great video as usual! I like the fact you go into detail on the cable attachment,

[@BigDog50001]

Thank you, I appreciate the comment!

[@pto200]

Great video. I love all the little details. Thanks for your videos.

[@BigDog50001]

Thank you!

[@AndreaRivera-z6v]

Thank you so much for this helpful video! My daughter and I were able to change out the part and fix our van!

[@jimthecarguy]

Great tip with the mirror and light. Great step by step directions.

[@BigDog50001]

Thanks Jim!

[@wyattoneable]

Your the Honda expert! I have to admit I didn't watch the whole video but if I ever get this job you know I'll be back! I did like the tips however.

[@BigDog50001]

lol, thanks for the comment!

[@TheDisgruntledMechanic]

good video and great tips with mirror and light. Thanks Dave.

[@BigDog50001]

Thanks Mike!

[@renaissancemaneric8019]

Like your shadowboard. Thanks for the info!

[@radicalrenegade8528]

As always, great video, great tips!

[@BigDog50001]

Thanks!

[@BigDog50001]

Here is a video showing complete removal of door latch/lock actuator assembly (including door cable) on a 2004 Honda Accord Sedan kzbin.info/www/bejne/gXfXnIR6bJl0d7s

[@bgates1128]

Thanks! Easy to follow. I can tell you did a lot of editing. Much appreciated.

[@BigDog50001]

Thanks 👍!

[@Glenn_123]

Wow incredible timing with this video. I just did this repair this past Saturday (replaced lock actuator) and my cable broke exact same place. I was able to wedge the broken little piece into the clip to hold it (know it won't last) but inside handle functions for at least this moment. Excellent video as always!!

[@BigDog50001]

You found out first hand what happens lol, thanks for the comment!

[@akashahmed7409]

Thanks for the Helpful video, specially I liked one part of this video which was use the mirror

[@BigDog50001]

No problem 👍!

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

Good tip on the zip ties and mirror

[@mrguppy1016]

This was so helpful

[@mattkeefe3850]

Well done. Thank You.

[@BigDog50001]

I appreciate the comment, thanks!

[@BigDog50001]

Be sure to subscribe for more tool and car repair videos! kzbin.info The Big Dog 50001 Automotive Channel Store can be found here: (This channel earns a small commission for purchases made through these links) www.amazon.com/shop/bigdog50001automotive twitter.com/BigDog50001 instagram.com/bigdog50001/ Want a free Big Dog50001 sticker? Send an email to [e-mail] requesting a sticker. Sorry, no international addresses or automotive questions.

[@RodsAutomotive]

Thanks for that!

[@BigDog50001]

You bet!

[@nytshade2]

Thanks for sharing your knowledge on this. My daughters 07 accord sedan door handle cable is almost broken. The metal piece that fits onto the handle is fraying and hanging on by 7-10 steel threads. Not looking forward to this job.

[@BigDog50001]

Thanks for the comment!

[@kww1966]

Thank you very much!

[@BigDog50001]

👍

[@simpleyvic]

Hopefully you see this. I have a '05 accord coupe, but all the parts that are available online are for sedans... i know u said the sedan part doesn't work for coupes.. any recommendations on a compatible passenger side replacement? Thank you in advance. Great video, I hope I get to make use of it.

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

Great video

[@BigDog50001]

Thanks!

[@waynebinky]

Wondering if this is the problem with my 2004 accord sedan. If you open the front passenger side door from the inside, you need to pull up fully on the outside handle before closing the door. if you don't pull up on the outer handle, the door will not latch when you swing the door closed. I can't seem to find this exact problem online. Ever come across this issue?

[@101405Alex]

you are awesome! thanks

[@BigDog50001]

I appreciate the comment, thank you!

[@kl223]

Will this also work on a Honda CR-V 2007? And is it possible to replace without taking the door off?

[@rosamiranda7670]

For a sedan are all 4 door cables the same or do I need to buy specifically for each door

[@orlandorodriguez6761]

Will this make your door not open from outside and inside ? If so how would you open the door again

[@DumbMoran]

Great video! I can understand if the cable is broken you won't be able to open the door, which is what happened to me when I removed my panel on my '10 Pilot when I tried to replace the arm rest. But my questions is how come I can't open the door from the outside either if only the cable leading from the latch to the door handle was corrupted? On top of that, how can I gain access to all this if I can't even open my door from either side?

[@simpleyvic]

they've made videos for just that.. find it on youtube

[@pinkelefant4ever]

What are the symptoms? What if a sedan's back door auto lock stopped working then the key in door won't open the car at all?

[@willpage79]

03 coupe does not green piece that breaks mines is gray and looks like rubber any suggestion my handle dont work after I change my door lock?

[@davidcopplestone2261]

Where would you get the cable from

[@luckyslaveify]

How do u on hook second rod in front

[@brooklyn7941]

But what if your door already closed ? How u gunna get it open to replace the wire ?

[@islandboy2424]

Hopefully you can open from the outdoor handle

[@brooklyn7941]

@@islandboy2424 yeah I was able to disconnect the wire that locks the door

[@brooklyn7941]

But it sucks Becuase now I have to open the window then put my hand out the door to unlock it from the outside handle until I get that cable fixed

[@tyleru7094]

Im hoping our 08 Civic coupe has this problem. Seems cable related. Actuator clicks like it should but doesn't hardly move the lock itself.

[@robertjball]

Big Dog, nice video - helpful. My 2003 Pilot passenger side door won't open. Neither the inside handle or outside will open the latch. The door lock still works and the cable is still attached to the inside door handle, but the door is tight. Obviously, I can't remove door panel to get access. Any thoughts? I appreciate it.

[@johncasoni4379]

Exactly, how the hell do you remove the panel with a locked closed door!

[@SashaNem]

thanks

[@LerodMcneill-sb4xf]

Hey man I have a 04 Honda accord coupe my door latch cable is broken and I can’t open my door from the inside or outside what do I do

[@Shellshock361]

This happened to me while changing the door lock actuator. But I found a really good way to fix it on the spot without buying a new cable. All I did was take the door panel off, and look for a location behind the door panel to drill a hole. There should be a white long plastic piece at the top with holes already in it, if you drill a hole closest to the green grommet on the cable then zip tie the cable behind the door panel it'll allow you to use the door handle again. Should stay in place.

[@sivucit]

I had same problem with Nissan Murano the hood latch plastic broke. Costed 90 dollar OEM. Not sure if we can weld the plastic..

[@BigDog50001]

Yeah all cables break at some point, at least these are only around $10 or so.

[@rhawniegonzales7568]

I have a 2002 honda civic lx 4dr. The driver door inside latch will not open the door. Before I open the door panel, is it possible to remove the internal door handle to make sure this is the problem? Also, just for clarification I am unsure if the first half of your vid is relevant or the 2nd half. I'm thinking first half since you said 2nd half was passenger door? Sorry I have distracting children🤣

[@sullydee2237]

good video

[@BigDog50001]

Thanks for the comment 👍!

[@arthurfricchione8119]

Dave another good Honda video. Would this also apply to an 07 Odyssey? Does it just happen when removing the panel or does it just break when opening the door? Thanks for the info. Artie

[@BigDog50001]

Yeah I probably should have mentioned it in the video but this does effect other models too. 2005-2010 Odysseys can also suffer the same issue I showed in video. They can break on their own but it's more common to have them break when removing the door panel. Thanks for the comment!

[@arthurfricchione8119]

@@BigDog50001 Thanks for the update, Dave.Have a good one

[@mikeg5325]

How in the world do you unlatch the 2nd rod? It's on the other side of the closest rod and can't reach around to unhook it

[@ManuelCamarena0725]

Removed the panel on my 06 coupe accord n sure enough it broke. Now my door doesn’t open smh. Will repairing This cable fix the issue?

[@BigDog50001]

Yes, if it broke upon door panel removal then a new cable will probably fix the problem.

[@Yeahnawsike]

Just did this, now my doors wont unlock. Im locked out. But my door handle works now. Any suggestions?

[@jamesq3896]

FWIW The rod that is connected to the door handle has a clip on the other side besides the one you swing away. You can see it through the inspection holes on the door. That's why it is hard to get out. Looking for a solution.

[@jamesq3896]

Easy solution I saw commented. Wrap the broken 2 pieces on the cable with duct tape, or duct tape. Simple and easy.

[@carobsessed35]

How do you get the driver side second rod out?

[@mikeg5325]

Yeah I didn't catch that at first and tried numerous times without realizing thatere was a second rod. That one is super difficult to get to. I have no idea how to get that.

[@exwifeschewtoy5516]

I have a 4 door 05 Acura RL........anyone know if it is the same inside or very similar to the honda? thx

[@BigDog50001]

Those RLs have handle and lock cables similar to Honda.

[@donkeydiehard879]

Good stuff. Except putting pentrating oil on brittle plastic pieces

[@JimMcBob42069]

Could you help me out with the part number for the driver door cable on 06 sedan?

[@BigDog50001]

This *should* be the part number below (always double check) and here is a video showing complete door latch removal and all parts (which includes the cable) kzbin.info/www/bejne/gXfXnIR6bJl0d7s Driver's (Left) Door Cable 72171-SDA-A02: amzn.to/2ECiUeM

[@JimMcBob42069]

Your awesome man. We need more like you

[@Realistic718]

My door latch opens but doesn’t lock. What could that be? Passenger side

[@Empty7775]

When that cable breaks, will the door still open from the outside? I have a 2007 CRV that wont open from the inside or outside. The door is locking and unlocking but wont open.

[@BigDog50001]

A broken cable like I showed in this video generally only prevents it from being opened from the inside. Usually more than one cable/connection has to break (or a cable and a child lock issue) for it to not open from either inside or outside. Or there is an issue with the latch assembly.

[@Empty7775]

@@BigDog50001 Thanks, I have the latch mechanism on order.

[@sergioolivar8589]

I have a question if anybody can help me out I have a 2019 Honda Pilot the passenger back door won’t open from the inside is that cover by warranty? I only have the car for 2 years.

[@BigDog50001]

Honda typically covers anything that breaks on the vehicle for 3 years or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first. If it is a rear door, double check that the child safety switch is not activated (which would prevent door from being opened from inside).

[@enhancedphysique6452]

So I have a 2013 civic SI. The handle is broken. I can't open the door from inside or out . The handle on the outside is still on the car but it has no pressure.

[@brandonkukawski1052]

Same

[@vidadowns1500]

Do I have to go to the dealership to get this part or order it. I have 2004 coupe Honda accord .

[@BigDog50001]

I get them from Honda dealers. If I have time I order online from Honda dealers to save money if not I go to local dealer but they usually charge more. I think Amazon carries OEM ones too.

[@DavidHernandez-ue4fz]

@@BigDog50001 how difficult are rear door on sedan to replace this cable?

[@ezhushmode6339]

What about rear inner cable

[@lon3918]

Question. Is this a fix for the inside door handle? Ours opens from the inside but not from the outside.

[@BigDog50001]

When these break the door cannot be opened from the inside.

[@laneshirley3706]

Did you ever find a fix this just happened to me today

[@texas3258]

🤬🤬🤬 I took the cover off inside the door the 4 door sedan 2007 because I stripped one of the 3 holding the locking mechanism and kept the cover off after I put the new cable

[@gemgari]

mine opens from inside car but the handle on outside won't open the door. Is it the same cable problem??

[@BigDog50001]

It is usually a rod that connects the outer door handle for many Hondas. Broken outside door handle, broken/missing clips to the rods are common issues.

[@ManuelCamarena0725]

Big Dog50001 Automotive I was replacing my door speakers and after this plastic piece broke, both, the outside n inner handles won’t open the door. Could the cable be the culprit? 06 accord coupe 3.0

[@zayslilbit]

But ur not showing how can u fix or replace it if the door won’t open at all. How do u get in to fix it

[@BigDog50001]

Correct, that is a different problem. When the door won't open from inside OR outside I will try to take off inside door handle and try to get it open from there. Other times the only option is damaging the inside door panel.

[@johnbecnel693]

How ‘bout dat. My 06 CRV driver door has the rod not a pull cable, Gen 2.5. The doohicky was partially broken allowing the rod to pop out of the handle lever. Ha. I bought a Dorman handle and fortunately, it came with a new doohicky. The plastic insert that holds the rod or cable end and it has the snap. One of the 2 tips that goes into the lever had broken. I think a bread bag twist tie would have held it in for finishing a road trip but sometimes!

[@MELQUIS]

How about if I can’t even get the door open

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

Freaking plastic we can make stuff glass fiber re enforced plastic for power tools but cant do it for automotive cables or dashes

[@georgebonney90]

👍

[@BigDog50001]

Thanks!

[@amend5269]

I was trying to see how the door lock cable is disconnected

[@reshadbailey2010]

Did you order this part from the dealer or parts store?

[@BigDog50001]

I get most of my parts from Honda dealers.

[@emmamonroe1115]

my cable snapped at the wire 😢

[@k_escobar917]

If only my door could open so I can fix this 😪 been 4 months I can’t open my passenger side door from the inside or out

[@BigDog50001]

No fun when that happens!

[@thedjrush]

I was looking not to break mine on the 2004 Honda Civic they are a bitch to take out. However mine was the locking switch that broke

[@BigDog50001]

Thanks for the input!

[@marquisebennett7161]

Ok

[@Sebadoh75]

Can't these cables just be JB welded to fix them?

[@Sebadoh75]

Ok guys, I just made this so much easier. I found an easier fix. Get yourself some large heat shrink tubing with a 3/1 shrink rate - even better if it has an internal glue adhesive. Cut yourself a strip that will cover the 2 sections of the broken clip. Next mix up a little JB weld (i used the quick stuff), and then dab a bunch on the broken sections and fit them together. While the JB weld is setting up, slide on your heatshrink over the broken sections, and shrink it with a lighter. Next slide the wire back and forth and wipe off the excess so the wire doesn't get stuck. Next, reattach the cable and shove the now fixed green clip back in the door. Do this while the Jb weld is still setting so it make a perfect fit, otherwise it'll be hard to fit in afterwards. Finally JB weld quick takes about 6 minutes to set, open and close the door from the inside until it's done setting. Done! I did this today on 2 doors in an accord LX and it worked awesome. Special Note - if you don't put the clip back in while the jb weld is setting up and it's already hard, you'll need to use a pliers or something to indent the heatshrinked section to fit it back in the door.

[@BigDog50001]

This is not something I would probably do on other peoples cars but it is definitely an option on your own car. Let us know if it lasts. Thanks for the input!

[@arthurfromdaa3865]

That piece of plastic is wat I broke but I don’t know the name of it to get a new one

[@Shellshock361]

You have to replace the entire cable. Or you can take the door panel off look for a long white plastic piece at the top and drill a hole in it closest to where the green grommet on the cable would be. Zip tie the cable using that hole to hold the cable in place.

[@Scatpack23]

My passenger side broke oh well

[@johncannon8709]

How about for 2002 honda accord

[@devaprasadhjacob]

Honda has one of the worst small things like this, really pathetic engineering