Electrified Garage: Cheat Code for how to do a Model S Front Door Handle Removal and Installation

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Removing and reinstalling the front door handle on a Tesla Model S.
Tricks from "The Chad" on how to remove the door panel, door handle and then reinstall and properly adjust the handle.
Parts to rebuild the door handle available here evtuning.com/c...

[@metroylee]

among all the tutorial videos that show how to remove Model S' door handles I have watched, this one is by far the best! No BS music or intro theme and straight to the business. 2 thumbs up.

[@Charles-in5xg]

EG is lucky to have this guy. Very knowledgeable and informative.

[@tymgreentech]

I was coming here to say the same thing!

[@f36443]

He is a former Tesla service tech, I'd assume he knows his stuff :P

[@bnashiningstar7633]

As a Tesla service technician I agree with the idea of not removing the glass, but at times, it sure does help and provides good practice in installing the glass and diagnosing wind noise!

[@dt7202]

Not hard to put back in at all completely agree. If you just make sure the front of the glass is flush with the seal, you’re good to go

[@cttesla]

Major thanks to Chad at EG!! This job took me 5 hours because it seems I have no hand strength like him to pull off the door cover or those tiny connectors lol. But got it done ! Had this video and watched certain segments again and again. So helpful . Saved me hundreds $$$ and annoyance because Tesla mobile service is 2 weeks wait.

[@KoreanKoby]

Your magnet trick was brilliant! Took me about 4 times longer than you but I was able to replace my paddle gear. I also stuffed some newspaper below the last handle bolt to catch it in case the magnet dropped it. Super proud of myself for getting the handle working again thanks to you!

[@machinetradereurope7853]

How you did that?

[@rklein]

This video is so great that I have decided never to try it myself and just pay someone else to do it. I can't even begin to imagine how many mistakes I would make attempting this kind of repair. I bet after I put it all together walking up to the car would pop the trunk open or sunroof would slide back. Serious respect to everyone who does this successfully!

[@mychair10]

I know I'm three years too late but doing this job when the handle will retract is relatively easy. Used your video on my first door two years ago. The problem comes when the handle is stuck in the extended position and will not go in because the paddle gear is stuck. This happens more than duff wiring and broken gear parts. Then you have a real clearance problem and have to resort to removing the glass and mechanism so you can get it out. Have done all my handles but the drivers door was the longest job as it was stuck out. Nothing's impossible (hah) but allow plenty of time for the extra work. The biggest curse is the sound proofing superglued to the door card !! Keep up the good work enjoy the channel.

[@combatvetg3801]

I have watched tons of videos for vehicle repairs over the years and by far one of the absolute best. Please tell me you have a rear door handle one too so I can adjust my wife's.

[@petedemoss7421]

My driver's door handle failed recently. It was blowing the LH Door Control fuse, taking the window controls out with it. I had to unplug the door handle to keep the fuse intact. I was going to have Tesla Mobile Service replace it but after some miscommunication the tech arrived without the correct part and had to cancel/reschedule my service. The thing is, I had retained the old assembly when Tesla replaced it due to a broken paddle gear three years ago. What I failed to remember is that I had Chad replace the broken gear two and a half years ago during a visit to the Electrified Garage. Upon a close inspection, I realized that it was good to go. After reviewing this video a couple of times and utterance of a few profanities, I managed to put the repaired door handle assembly in place. Hell yeah!. Thanks, Chad! I'm hoping to come visit the new shop in the spring. See you then!

[@tristanbased-af2159]

perfect tutorial for when I want to do this on my 2013 model S!!

[@kylequinn7760]

Just finished my driver door repair with this video. Best one on KZbin for sure. The magnet trick worked like a charm. The magnetic 10mm drive would be a good add for next time I need to do one. Thanks very much!.

[@tevinlimon8967]

Clear and concise video, can’t wait for the video for the rear handles next

[@scottanderson7399]

With these invaluable instructions removing the failed door handle and installing the repaired assembly went very smoothly. Thanks for the excellent video, commentary, and tips! 👍

[@DJPGB]

Okay, I'm only halfway through the video, but I need to comment on how well-made it is. So many how-to videos skip the small steps that are still vital to the procedure. I'm seeing everything here. This video is missing (and that's good) what I consider the most aggravating flub: the crucial step is hidden by the creator's body just when you need to see what's going on. Yay! Kudos.

[@TRYtoHELPyou]

8k miles and a few months left on our used model s warranty. really appreciate you guys sharing this!

[@32BitLink]

TRY to HELP you didn't know you had a model s! Review coming? Did it replace the spark?

[@Steppeee]

god damn it xD! nothing ever breaks in your hands. When I diy stuff like this I end up with busted seals, cracked grommets and shattered plastic! Thank you for these epic videos.

[@robj3857]

Firstly thank you so much for posting this, without this guide and learning about the secret bolt down the window I'd never have managed to get it done. So success, I replaced the paddle gear and it worked. This was not a fun or easy job at all, it was very difficult and at a couple of points I thought "this is never going back together". I'm usually pretty good at this stuff but unless your skill level is a 9/10 or above I would not try this at home. I managed it, in about 3 hours but I will never do it again and will just pay Tesla next time. Thanks again for the video, but viewers be warned, this is difficult!

[@terrencenixa]

Awesome video! I just completed this repair for my gen 3 handle which was even a bit easier. The magnet trick on that top nut worked beautifully!

[@dannyrusso8279]

Great tip for removal. Thanks. Don't know how I would have gotten it out without using that trick. For installation I have a tip. I tied a piece of super strong braided fishing line in the upper right hole. I was able to guide it to the bolt by pulling on the looped line, then just cut the line after lined up on the bolt.

[@martinlunsford1077]

Thank you for this! I did the repair yesterday and this video saved me hours of frustration.

[@ThatTutorGuy1]

Your tricks were excellent! Saved me $1000 for broken gear in handle. $20 part, good as new.

[@kEVsterTech]

The dreaded 9mm with loctite... aargh! A credit card or a few business cards could also be used to help prop up the loose door handle during alignment (vs holding the handle out). Tips or tricks for door panels with tethers? (Next gen seat vehicles)

[@Morboeatspeople]

Thanks! I have a 2015 with the original handles so, I imagine it's only a matter of time before I need this.

[@kwik01]

This came in handy. I had the busted gear issue on my driver door (no present) and even though its a newer 2017 Model S with Gen 3 module, it was 98% the same. Tesla started attaching the door panel to the top outside corner with a riveted nylon strap, so that was interesting. Glad I watched and got the tape over chrome tip before I pulled it out!

[@dkaren0605]

this was a great vid. this was the only one that I found (too late) that actually discussed the technique of using the magnet on the top bolt stud! so important. I kinda came up with that on my own and did it a little differently. I will post my one and only video of that technique somewhere in the coming days. Basically, I just put a neodymium magnet directly on my wrench. he did a really great job through out the video. I have a question that I am hoping the community can help me with. I have 2013 Model S, with a GEN2 handle. I replaced the FL (driver's) microswitch harness (issue was the typical broken white wire where handle would present but not unlatch). After replacement, unlatches fine. The only thing that does not seem to work is the push-to-present pressure present feature of the handle. The handles all present when approaching the car or using the remote. The two faults that I have are 1) handle does not respond to push-to-present and 2) it does not appear that remote is making the handles withdraw (lock). Any help from the community would be appreciated. Do I have a bad new microswitch, or is one side not making the correct contact? All connections appear correct...

[@rubenmeister5276]

You know he's on another level when he pulled out the lightsaber

[@Alexhazydays]

Thank you! The few extra tips helped so much on my repair! One more door fixed!

[@AntonEMaes]

Just completed this repair on my passenger side door handle. Very helpful. The quality difference in the new harness is obvious. Took about 3 hours all in. I’d probably plan on 2 If you’re good at following directions

[@thomasha6208]

Thank you - you are the great communicator - my trunk won't close - If you can do one video for replace or how to fix the trunk. Thanks again!

[@dt7202]

Thank you so much for this video. You have no idea how valuable it is to me 😅

[@JohnB-vt4dz]

Excellent video thank you from the UK. Although I quickly removed the door module, replaced the dead microswitch etc. I have now spent over five hours trying to get the module back, I must be missing something 🙄

[@sam1174]

I've watched a few videos on how to do this. This one is by far the best. You have some great tips on how to make the job easier. Thank you! Now I'm going to go do it myself. Oh yeah... I liked and subscribed. :-)

[@petervuong5221]

Best video by far. Thanks

[@geoffwest1158]

Excellent video! Thanks so much for the window trim access trick! I too dreaded pulling the glass just to fix the door handle mech. It's out now and I'm not sure what's next. The handle presents and the unit "whirrs", but there's no *give* to the handle and it won't unlatch the door from the outside. Is the problem in the handle unit or at the door latch itself?

[@benkanobe7500]

Outstanding! Clearly, you have done this a few times! Do you have one where you replace the gear and switches as well?

[@howardgordon1817]

Good stuff Chad, appricate you.

[@StefanLundmark]

Wow that's more work than I thought. Thanks for the video!

[@jamescox2894]

Took my tesla here, the best service of my life. These people care about more than your wallet.

[@RadoTrenciansky]

Brilliant and very professional work and video Chad. Thank you for sharing.

[@gadgetmind]

All great stuff, but the front cards now also have a retaining strap to prevent them interfering with airbags during side impacts. Unless you work with the door card still attached (prop it up out of the way?) this needs drilling off and (ideally) a new strap fitting.

[@ElectrifiedGarage]

Yes, its a pain, the ideal / repair procedure is to drill then replace after repair. The way I do it is use a stand next to the door and prop it on it or allow the door card to hand by the strap 90' from the door.

[@rlgwoody8966]

When is EG coming to Texas? We need you fellas!

[@ristotuomiluoma3322]

Finnish viewer thanks good tips.

[@tristanskylark]

Yeahhhh Chad back at it again

[@snaypatel1973]

What’s the magnet tool you are using? Looks like a coat hanger with a tiny magnet soldered on to it.

[@miraclo3]

that's because it is! just kidding. its a magnet on a copper wire. you can get them at the auto parts store.

[@snaypatel1973]

Thanks! Found this: V8 Tools 3826 Mighty Worm 26" Flexible Magnetic Pickup Tool www.amazon.com/dp/B002YKNOLQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_zq5TEbXTAM0QA

[@arshamskrenes]

Thank you so much for this video and others! Keep up the phenomenal service!

[@jamesshanks2614]

Evanex is selling a lift kit to utilize on a commercial car lift and today 12/1/20 is the last day of 50% off. Just thought you should know.

[@supakat1835]

Hi This is a great video I stumbled upon so I am tackling it, you make it look & sound so easy, but my only critique is that you list all the tools & sizes that are required to complete the job, either by listing them in the descriptions or comments. I had to listen several times, hard of hearing & your accent is difficult to understand, so before figuring out what tools I needed to purchase to do the job, a few of them I didn't need like 8mm 9mm sockets. So I used a 10mm wrench, a magnet, T30 socket, 10mm socket, panel pry tools, but to get the door access cover off, you never mentioned the tool, I got to that point & found out that I need a hex wrench instead of a T30, & I never picked up a hex wrench, & I still have no clue what size I need, because you never mentioned it, 😐 so I am going to have to head back over to the hardware store with the screw to find the right size hex bit. I had to go to two different hardware stores just to get a 10mm wrench. Please add the tools required in the videos descriptions or comments, thank you. 🙏🏽 4:59

[@softsolution8875]

French : Merci pour cette superbe vidéo. Je dois faire la même chose sur ma voiture mais elle est de octobre 2017 (MS 100D). Y-a-t'il des choses différentes à faire ? English : Thank you for the great video. I have to do the same on my car but it's from October (MS 100D) 2017. Are there different things to do?

[@NotAnonymousNo80014]

Excellent camera work.

[@gtech6]

Nice video thanks, do you also have a solution for stopping the scratches from the back of the handle to the window? Can this be solved with a V3 handle?

[@ElectrifiedGarage]

The handle should not be making contact with the window. Typically sand gets into the chrome belt molding where the felt is and that is what scratches the window. If the handle is making contact with the window glass there are bigger problems going on.

[@Lui-893]

Great video very well explained made it look very easy 👍

[@dzsink]

Great Video. Very good instructions and shortcuts.

[@so4real]

This is an excellent tutorial. Thank you!

[@zimeon]

Extremely good video! Thank you :) Could you perhaps do one on adjusting the windows? Noticed that the passanger side window doesn't open enough. Can't come to visit you from EU :D

[@tristanbased-af2159]

is the rear handle the same module as the front??

[@deenengineers7895]

Really good tips! Thank you so much!

[@lynnh8189]

Where can I get a used wheel - 19" Slipstream wheel Gray I ran over a 4x4 on the highway (Fell off a semi and I ate it), bet the wheel. Thanks Dale

[@Slebonson]

Iam afraid you should talk to your insurance company.

[@lynnh8189]

@@Slebonson I did speak to my insurance co, I have a 500 deducible and they did not know if this would affect my rates, so i will pay out of pocket. Thanks for the reply. I will get a new wheel if i have too. But will see if I can locate a used good wheel first. I was lucky the wood (4x4) did not jump up and go through my front window or more damage. This goes back to - Secure your load - . Other car hit the same wood and he received a flat tire right away. I made it home. All good other then bent wheel and damaged tire.

[@cheztir]

@@lynnh8189 Try the tesla motor club forum, it might be tricky to get just 1 wheel though

[@shah_]

Dale H I have one for sale based in the uk though! www.ebay.co.uk/itm/223998979874

[@lynnh8189]

@@shah_ Thanks, but that is too far for shipping and timing.

[@tumbleweed1976]

Good information. How about tried and true handles that just work? Like on my Honda.

[@_PatrickO]

lol, aerodynamics matter. It is dumb that we haven't had aerodynamic standards for cars because it reduces gas usage, not just electricity.

[@tumbleweed1976]

Patrick O Model 3’s exterior door handles meet aerodynamic needs and don’t require motors. We may have a better long term design seeing S and X using. Important part indeed.

[@broncoremy]

The tech is very skilled and kudos to him. He knows the tricks to getting this done. However, if you try this yourself for a one-time repair - do not expect that this will take you the 22 minutes shown in this video. You will spend an entire, mentally-exhausting, stress-filled weekend on this. Nothing ever comes apart as easy as shown. Far worse and most certainly, when you go to put it back together, nothing will fit right or go back in as easy as shown. Prepare yourself and your family for loud screaming and tools flying across the garage. I noticed there is not one mention of the sticky black goo-of-death gasket crap that gets spread everywhere and on everything. You will give up skin to get it off of your hands. Just like most other repairs, when you work this issue you will gain an appreciation of why mechanics hate design engineers with the fire of Mount Doom. They leave less than no room to work or fit parts where they need to go or allow for how your hands need to get in the spaces needed. I am just so done with this car.

[@drdremd]

What's the tricks for the rear? I did the front last weekend, this would have ben helpful, I'm sure it will be next time.

[@Quickicecarreviews123]

Very nice work

[@namod6538]

Thank you for the video! I just have one question- my door handle LEDs are out. And I disassembled one door according your instruction, and removed the LED. BUT I forgot to measure Volts on the wire which gives juice for this LED. Any idea how much volts is delivered to door handle led?

[@taipoxin]

Where's that cheat code for boosting the LR AWD 3 further? We needs it ;)

[@patrickflanagan8008]

Great tutorial, cheers matey.

[@richardfearn2723]

Great video Chad!

[@WCH8975]

Does replacing this part require programming or computer matching?

[@dexterhodge5566]

Can you summarize the difference in words as to what’s different? I heard something like: ‘it’s a little bit different for the rear door and will post another video’? What’s so different that it needs a different video? (If I find a link for the rear door that answers my question I will try to post link for rear door myself in reply)…

[@thalexmack]

Want to watch to see what might be causing all the squeaks in my driver door panel. I’m sure it’s a clip, but I couldn’t see any obvious fixes.

[@cedr381]

Thanks my guy❤

[@KaceyGreen]

This is how all 6 of my handle replacements were done by Mobile Techs

[@JCarruth130]

Passenger panel has an orange strap hindering its removal...is this safe to cut?

[@motownmark]

Where can I buy one of those magnet wires? I need one to finish the job

[@romangritsak7721]

Is the process and parts the same for the rear doors?

[@harry-eto]

Thank you 👌🏻

[@tompaj10]

wow, thank you

[@martialman.4563]

Looking to buy an old high milage S, need more vids.

[@InternetDude]

Martialman.45 mistake!!

[@martialman.4563]

@@InternetDude How old is your model S?

[@InternetDude]

Martialman.45 look at my videos going back years

[@martialman.4563]

@@InternetDude Thanks allot, going to start watching. I figured a high milage older S with battery, motor and MCU replaced will have had most of the problems worked out by first owner. Have a 2 year old model 3, like the car but Tesla customer service is atrocious.

[@InternetDude]

Martialman.45 safest bet for owning a Tesla is live near a service center and have warranty.

[@machinetradereurope7853]

what you do when handle not coming out, and cant open from outside. ?

[@AndrewBurtonS-group]

is it the same for a 2020 model S like how to take it out. I know the working of the handel parts are different. my drivers door handle will not come out... but I can hear it trying. so for sure the padel gear is broken

[@jeremymindes1599]

Very nice job. How was I not already subscribed? Done. Who the MF that thumbs down this vid? Nice torx bits. Who makes those?

[@theronerd]

Is there a way to adjust the flush part without taking the handle assembly out completely?

[@ElectrifiedGarage]

Yes, it requires a short T40 and a 1/4 bit ratchet handle, it can be done inside the door.

[@gungadinnotrealname9479]

Lol u know its a good produkt when u need shims and ducktape 🤣🤣🤣

[@benkanobe7500]

Where do I get "gaffers tape"?

[@thomashalo1011]

It blows my mind how similar the tesla door comes apart especial the door trim. I expected some future design, not 2010s mazda.

[@Treadmill-Repairs]

I didn't even watch this because I couldn't even skip the looooooooooooong ads!!

[@niky5100]

I love you))) very helpful video

[@bebel50630ttb]

Hey Even on new TESLA Model S 10/2017 ? Thanx

[@ElectrifiedGarage]

So depending on the vin, that could be the Gen3. Its still doable but the tolerance is much tighter.

[@ianrenshaw6653]

Where’s the cheat code? It’s the whole reason I watched the video as it was in the title?

[@lornekofman2163]

use a ratcheting spanner stick the nut to it with gum .!

[@tristanskylark]

1:05 deez nuts

[@MrGonzonator]

Who buys a $50K car but can't afford to have a guy fix it?

[@jaoliver999]

People that know how to work on cars and enjoy doing so. I've owned two $100k plus 911s and have been wrenching on my BMWs, Audis, and Porsches for decades. Hey if you don't know how to turn a wrench then ya' pay tha man that does.

[@mrpeaceful1]

dogecoin

[@xxxged]

We’re is the cheat code