How to Replace Exterior Door Handle 95-99 GMC Sierra K1500

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1A Auto shows you how to repair, install, fix, change or replace a broken or snapped off Exterior / Outside door handle. This video is applicable to the 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 GMC Sierra K1500
This process should be similar on the following vehicles:
1988 GMC K1500 Truck
1989 GMC K1500 Truck
1990 GMC K1500 Truck
1991 GMC K1500 Truck
1992 GMC K1500 Truck
1993 GMC K1500 Truck
1994 GMC K1500 Truck
1995 GMC K1500 Truck
1996 GMC K1500 Truck
1997 GMC K1500 Truck
1998 GMC K1500 Truck
1999 GMC K1500 Truck
🔧 List of tools used:
• Flat Blade Screwdriver 1aau.to/oDI/1AX...
• Phillips Head Screwdriver 1aau.to/oDI/1AX...
• 10mm Socket 1aau.to/ozd/1AX...
• 7mm Socket 1aau.to/ozd/1AX...
• Trim Tool Set 1aau.to/oko/1AX...
• Ratchet 1aau.to/oGu/1AX...
• Socket Extensions 1aau.to/oDG/1AX...
• Painter's Tape
• Pick 1aau.to/ogx/1AX...
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Check out our playlist:
GMC Sierra K1500 1988-1998: • GMC Sierra K1500 1988-...
For More Info visit us at 1aau.to/h/Ua/
⚠ DISCLAIMER:
While 1A Auto strives to make the information provided in this video as accurate as possible, it makes no claims, promises, or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or applicability of the content. No information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. All do-it-yourself projects entail some risk. It is the sole responsibility of the viewer to assume this risk. 1A Auto is not responsible or liable for any loss damage (including, but not limited to, actual, consequential, or punitive), liability, claim, or any other injury or cause related to or resulting from any information posted in this video.

[@1AAuto]

√ *Watch the Video* √ *Buy The Part at 1A Auto* 1aau.to/m/Visit-1AAuto √ *Do it Yourself* √ *Save Money*

[@outbackbob2008]

My lock is loose, so I could not get it to stay in it's place in the door handle. I had to glue it in place and it worked great. My problem is it's upside down and it matters. I tried nail polish and am trying Goof-off now. I was trying not to have to change the lock, so I don't have 2 keys.

[@burdok4591]

Love how at 8:50 while reinstalling handle it conveniently skips over the actual part of putting it in.

[@Paradise_Travels]

LOL, this was the hardest part, trying to force it back in position....remove the door latch with the 3 screws and then reattach it after the new handle is reinstalled

[@jamesco0329]

Yeah why show how the damn thing goes in.

[@michaelmatty1277]

Fucking awesome video, and someone always wanna bitch about 1 damn thing....LOL

[@ginakerry2588]

Might be good to mark the latch before removal. Some of these parts have to be aligned and sometimes you can end up with a door the won't close or seal properly if the lock is mal-adjusted. I didn't do that ...yet... so I'm not sure about this particular vehicle. But this is good advice for sure to make removal and install easier.

[@stevekurtz1383]

At 3:27 he peels tape from the access hole that leads to one of the two bolts that secure the outer door handle to the door. Use a flashlight and an extension. This access hole makes the job so much easier. No need to take the entire door apart.

[@idecidenotyou]

Make a video..

[@ukeacreator93]

I’m going to try it without taking entire door apart and will make a video

[@GTAwheelman247]

That's what I was thinking I did last time I replaced one. Was watching this video as a refresher, and did not remember it being this much work.

[@jrbird7571]

I'm also of the school of working smarter and not harder. I do appreciate this video; it's very helpful. I loosened the panel and was able to take out the two bolts holding the handle down. One of them is accessible through the hole on the panel. It's a little difficult but you an remove and attach the rods to the handle through from the outside.

[@shawnmiller7345]

This can be done without removing the interior metal panel AND certainly not removing ALL the wiring and rods!.......I replaced my driver side handle today by simply removing all BUT the bottom row of screws on said panel, just so I could reach my hand in to assist. I pulled the handle from the outside, and removed the lock (which the video does NOT show you is retained by a clip on the bottom) and single rod for the door handle lever mechanism. Then replaced the hand in reverse fashion (this is where being able to reach your hand inside is critical.......

[@ussliberty109]

Underrated comment. I used this method and it makes the second half of the video practically obsolete.

[@jeromegarcia5396]

I was thinking this when he started taking wire harness completely out, like did he try to get his hand in? Nice to hear someone actually did what I was thinking... Work smarter not harder...

[@outbackbob2008]

My lock will not stay in place on a new handle.so I glued it in place, problem is it's upside down. I tried fingernail polish am trying GOOFOFF. Letting it sit over night.

[@MrBowNaxe]

Thanks for posting this video. Like many before me have pointed out, removing the whole inside panel is not necessary. I did this job on my '97 Suburban a few years ago before this posting and struggled a bit. The driver's door is harder to do but I managed. Since then, I've had to replace both outside handles on my '99 Suburban this year. The key cylinder and the lock pins are the most difficult part. Definitely replace the rod connectors if possible. I didn't the first time and I apparently bent them removing and they would fall off about a week or 50 slams later... If I could edit my videos, I'd post but there too much cussing on it! Thanks for sharing.

[@the1964gman]

I did this yesterday on my 97 GMC Suburban. The video was very helpful, but not as easy as he makes it. The biggest problem is reconnecting the new handle. He shows you connecting both lock and handle from the outside, but this did not work for me. After connecting both the handle and lock it will not fit back in the hole. So I reconnected the handle only and then reconnected the lock after I hand tighten the bolts from the inside. The last thing I will say, is the lock will only come out of the old handle by breaking the chamber it is in. But this is ok because it easily fits back into the new handle. Great video!

[@OurOregonlife]

Thats how I did it

[@CHOPMOP10]

using the trim tool::::::: take whole truck apart

[@lightningsurvivor1432]

Lol

[@dvvalant]

OMG, I think I'll just leave my window down all the time and reach in for inside handle. When that breaks, will remove plates and leave along the road! :)

[@MrBigblock3272]

Dave Valant lol I just put one in yesterday & I didn do all that unnecessary stuff

[@BLACKRAIN390]

UM CUTTING THE METAL RIGHT BEHIND THE HANDLE, F#%K THAT.👍🤣

[@WickdPerfekT]

Why do you skip the lock install?

[@davidhook261]

Because the guy was too busy throwing tools across the shop in frustration!

[@stephenowens210]

With the window up...use the maint holes to get the door handle off...removing the inside panel...is not necessary.....

[@jacobzimmerly]

@@stephenowens210 Id like some more info on this. If you're on facebook, would you send me a message please?

[@southernprojectsyt6340]

Pay attention people, this is how those shops charge extra for a simple job. That wiring harness and other measurements taken weren't necessary to replace the outside door handle.

[@jahwillone4818]

Thanks for the video. I just wish you show me more when reinstalling the latch. It was quite difficult for me especially the drivers side door. W/ lock cylinder.

[@ronaldw.edwardssr.3924]

Absolutely on the driver side, very difficult to install handle, most important part of install. Thanks

[@bigernroarxd6973]

Never did this job today. Wish the video showed a better up close look of the clips on the door hinge and the door lines. Other then that pretty straightforward Job and this video did a great job explaining how to do so

[@ebeaulieu813]

Well here's a few helpful tips; WD40 or similar and lude the window rollers, spray all linkage clips, this will make removing clips and window a lot easier. Spray the latch, window channel and regulator before putting it back together. You'll be surprised how much better everything works.

[@1AAuto]

+E Beaulieu Thanks for the feedback!

[@ginakerry2588]

In my case, my door desperately need attention to many issues...outside handle,inside handle, actuator , speaker replacement . So I was going to have to strip the door pretty clean anyway . I didn't think of greasing the window sliders tho! Big thumbs up in that advice!

[@michaelmatty1277]

SPOT ON...... What a great instructional video...... EVERY STEP right on point! THANKS FOR MAKING MY LIFE EASY on this job!

[@fortyseven1832]

Man this is doing it the hard way.

[@malarki8789]

Well done "how to video", thank you

[@topperthompson580]

If you compress the for handle spring you can get the outside handle on no way without doing that without taking everything apart.

[@OurOregonlife]

Simple easy to do, took me about 1.5 hours . Only two difficult parts are clips near the lock, and the window tracks, w/speaker but other than that beats paying repair guys 200.00

[@ttiwkram]

Another great design, GM! :-(

[@greybeard804]

right?

[@DYI]

I started buying Toyota after owning an 1999 Chevy once, but am watching this to help fix a friend's truck. This is torture. First they design parts that fail and to add insult to injury they design so it is too difficult to work on.

[@ginakerry2588]

I'm having trouble removing the clips on lock cylinder to swap it to the new handle. I'm kind of shocked you just totally skipped over that. As well, removing the rod clips was a major pain which I noticed you edited out. More info on those items would have been very helpful. I suppose I can't complain for free advice. I do appreciate the video. Just sayin'

[@helivesonforever]

2:14 prying the light right there is a good way to break the reflector part right off! Ask me how I know! Instead, pry slightly behind it, closer to the inside door handle. The clip is right there, so you won't break your light.

[@1AAuto]

+***Classified*** Thank you for checking us out, and for the advice. This will certainly assist other viewers! 1aauto.com

[@BobSmith-ql4yf]

Why do you skip forward when taking the handle out of the door, that's the hardest part that we need to see

[@kelvinmanley6166]

Stan Glenn give a idiot a camera lol

[@christopherg7551]

how right you are. I was ready to kill shoot or just walk away beware of the lock give your self alot of time

[@TheNCTurner]

Great video….except for that one CRITICAL detail!! Am I right??? Lol

[@johannjohann6523]

90% good video. You left out replacing the lock mechanism and how that's done

[@Defyant67]

Thanks for the video. What it did not show, I could figure out. 👍

[@stephenlayne8689]

Thanks I'm still trying to remove the lock rod you did in 5 secs 45 mins later and climbing

[@superfluppy1]

Thanks for posting. Really helped me out!

[@1AAuto]

+Travis James Thanks for watching. If any of our viewers needs to make this repair, we carry the auto repair part shown in this video on our website. Here is a link to them www.1aauto.com/exterior-door-handle-pair/i/1adhs00009?KZbin&CTA+Comment&CdcE5l8

[@googleguest4837]

Didnt show the 2 lever hookups. Crucial

[@yosfq8874]

رائع وشرح جميل وواضح وطبقت الطريقه ونجحت💙❤️

[@stephendavidcavuoti6548]

Toilet plunger works great for the window!

[@Johnsonsfamilyadventures-o3n]

I wonder how many times he cussed that window guide rollers lol I’ve always had a hellova time with them

[@doctorscream2065]

But do i use a trim tool?

[@1AAuto]

A trim tool is not necessary but can be used to assist with removing the door panel. Thank you. +Christian Richardson

[@CentralCanada]

I forgot to ask, of which is not shared in any other '96 Sierra door handle replacement online videos, what fails in these door handle plastic moldings that subsequently gets worse till it pulls right out with only likely the linkage(s) holding it in place ?

[@rossmunn9770]

Could you show the part where you installed the lock cylinder, I'm sure this part does not come with the new door handle. Or, do you put the lock cylinder in after installing the door handle part. Thanks.

[@mid-west_man]

There is a tab at the rear of the lock cylinder, use a screwdriver to push in the tab, when reinstalling the cylinder in the new handle, make sure it is pushed all the way in and the tab is in the slot., hope that helps.

[@CentralCanada]

My '96 sierra, Driver side lock mechanism allows key to unlock but will not lock. But seems to function properly on the passenger side. Although I just noticed today the passenger side handle cover unit is slightly lifting/pulling away from the exterior door panel -- oh uh !! And also noticed the drivers side is showing subtle signs too. :-I That is why I came looking for a vid' to find out how hard is it to fix or replace, this will be the longest involved project I've tackled . . . .

[@1AAuto]

+Rockinbr Thanks for checking us out! 1aau.to/m/Shop-1AAuto-c

[@stevepereira8898]

I have a 1997 Silverado and my driver side door handle off and the rods disconnected from the handle and the actuator, my door closed, lol, what can I do to get it to open back up so I can finish changing the handle and actuator without trying to hook up the wires, handle and inside door electronics, thanks for any help

[@da-grinch6924]

Someone broke into my 99 Tahoe and damaged both handles. I think l'll pay the shop to install the two handles I purchased. It's too much work for me. I'll pay the money and keep it moving 🚗💨

[@felixlallangas6983]

Ok so i cannot open my door from the inside or outside. And i dont have any room to work inside to remove the door panel. Can someone please give me some advice, or point me in the right direction?

[@BeRae12]

Now can you do a vid, ASAP, on how to remove and install the rollers(not the whole regulator) for a 1995 chevy k1500. It's the difference between $9 for the rollers or $70 for the regulator. Too much money.

[@darrinbunston5932]

What's the big deal why didn't you show the rod that goes to the keyed lock cylinder and the metal dog that goes on the back of the lock cylinder and the rod that connects to it

[@Haegan_Lee]

How can I do this if both the outside and inside handles are broken? Any advice?

[@PUREOWN]

How am i supposed to take the inner panel out of my window is locked in the up position?

[@colestaples2010]

I guess I’ll never have a door handle again. I can’t hook up the linkage if my life depended on it

[@Mappy-xn1om]

Got it - thanks !!!

[@joshuaglasscock5078]

How do you change it if the inside and outside handle is broken

[@Linkdertaker]

I have a 96 silverado and cant use the key to open both doors, can only lock from inside and need to let doors open . because the key dont lock doors . so is the same problem with my truck?

[@karlsbicycleshop2474]

I just mess up my door bad, thanks.

[@yamahitas]

primera vez que cambia la manija, que horrible video, lleno de errores, y son expertos

[@damxgopak457]

Think I'll go ahead and do both inner and out while I'm in there they both look pretty weak.

[@ginakerry2588]

I also replaced the OEM Speaker while it was apart. And may have to replace actuator. I'll test with it halfway back together and see if actuator works better after I bathed it in PB Blaster . 👍

[@johnlacy3611]

I have a 1988 Chevy truck with roll up doors.. do y'all have a video for that?? Would my truck be easy compared cuz I don't have speakers or auto windows..

[@Clifford270]

this isn't a very good video. There was no instructions on how to remove the key cylinder from the handle. Plus it's easier to undo the door latch, let it drop down and then the door handle will just pop out.

[@CentralCanada]

Update ? ; kzbin.info/www/bejne/sKmui5KlhrGgo9k

[@dougselsam5393]

I tend to be a GM person, but one thing that kills me is their door handles always break. Well, at least since cars went bad in the early 1970's. You would think after 100 years of building cars, they would be able to get the door handle thing right. But no, some bean-counter decides to make parts from pot-metal and plastic. Then there's the idea of planned obsolescence - why would people buy new cars if their old cars still worked? And constant repairs are what keeps their dealers profitable. Kind of sucks that they make certain parts destined to fail and this difficult to replace. Sheesh!

[@ginakerry2588]

I have to say that the pot metal handle on my '94 which I just sold in 2022 was still in perfect working order and looked great. I am pretty sure that it is the exact same part on my '99 truck which is now made of plastic. If interchangeable with a '94, metal would definitely be the way to go!

[@Lamar4ya]

i lock is tricky to get out too

[@glockedup2252]

I have a 96 Tahoe and the passenger side door only opens from inside, any idea what could be the fix or proper part for it?

[@josephloudermilk9860]

Me too as well!!!!

[@josephloudermilk9860]

The clip that holds it in place is what happened

[@ginakerry2588]

Yeah, sounds like one of the rods fell off

[@Cgp-on1cp]

Well great now I can't shut my door and the door handle and lock doesn't work after getting the metal rods on. Of course this is how it's going to be just to install a door handle

[@maulmusix]

I WANT TO KNOW WHY YOU DIDN'T INSTALL THE KEY LOCK BEFORE PUTTING HANDLE BACK IN,,,,MAKES NO SINCE TO ME

[@stephenlayne8689]

What about the lock?

[@maulmusix]

I WANT TO KNOW WHY??? I BOUGHT THESE 1 A HANDLES WITH LOCKS,,WELL ''THE KEY''' GOES IN ''UPSIDE DOWN'' ON BOTH HANDLES,RIGHT AND LEFT,,,, AM DISAPPOINTED IN THAT,,,so if does not work thnem whAT ,THE CY;INDER FIX PERFECT BUT BOTH KEYS GO N UPSIDE DOWN

[@greybeard804]

Piece of cake!! :)

[@ryan43]

For a 12 min video, you have 45 things to remove and reinstall..... GODDAMN!!!

[@TacoBellMexicanPizza123]

I can remove that handle outside handle with out removing the trim panel 😂😂

[@jimihudson1666]

What it the candy wrapper sound? That’s some annoying crap.

[@seanchinnock3390]

Where is the lock

[@davidm4160]

Shame on gm

[@Z-e-r-0]

8:06.... New handle comes pre-scratched? $35 each?? lmfao they are $17 on Amazon. same quality...

[@lebuckus879]

Why GM made it so difficult 😅

[@ginakerry2588]

Obviously, so that you will pay someone to do the job. Just wait till you try to work on a 2013 Chrysler where the battery is housed UNDER the driver side fender and takes at least an hour to replace!

[@harveygarrett4129]

I think I'll just pay someone to do it...🤔

[@stuartray8755]

I could not the door handle in uless I lowered the latch wtf

[@davidhook261]

What a stinking disaster! All because GM does not know how to make a decent door handle!

[@1AAuto]

+david Hook Thanks for checking us out! 1aau.to/m/Shop-1AAuto-c

[@CentralCanada]

Car dealerships make their big money from service dept., not selling the cars !

[@fortyseven1832]

There's an easier way to do it but it's hard to explain.

[@Fucknuts4u]

This is r'tarded, totally unnecessary steps...why remove the power window and lock panel or the refectory?