How to Replace Exterior Door Handle 98-02 Toyota Corolla

[@1AAuto]

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

[@FestusHaggen]

no need to remove the clip and rod from the lock cylinder on the exterior door handle - I find it easier to remove the one bolt holding the lock cylinder to the handle and just let the cylinder stay inside the door with the rod and clip still attached (one less rod and clip to have to deal with) - then remove the 2 bolts holding the door handle on and remove handle (handle is easier to remove through hole in door without the lock cylinder attached) - replace all in reverse order (hand starting all 3 bolts that hold handle and lock cylinder in place before tightening any of them)

[@dma654]

I've gone through so many of these things. I swear they are designed to break but the Corolla's last forever. It's a paradox.

[@771]

Just broke my driver side handle - albeit the door was frozen over and I was in a rush.. time to head to the junkyard for a new one 😁

[@MegaSnow121]

Thank you for posting this. The driver's side front door handle broke yesterday and now I can replace it myself thanks to your very helpful video. :-) (PS I am a 60 something grandma whose car mechanic skills are rather lacking, but thanks to you, I will save myself a bunch of money. )

[@1AAuto]

+E.M. Solberg Thank you for watching. Please let us know how the repair comes out! 1aauto.com 888-844-3393

[@toddwendt5381]

I was having trouble getting the rod into the lock hole. What I did was loop a thin string around the rod from the outside and when I put in the handle I pulled the string bringing the rod right up to the hole it slides in. This ended my frustration of trying to get the rod lined up by hand from the inside of the door. Thanks for posting the video.

[@cr-kh7dd]

Wonderful, Thank you! Feel foolish I've been suffering all this time when the replacement was that easy.

[@angelmartinez8480]

Thank so much for your generous free info on how to install handles on the Corolla models. I just installed mine and they work perfect. May your company prosper along with every endeavor you and your team may have. Peace and blessings to you all.

[@CButaud]

I had a really hard time getting the clip off of the lock rod, so I ended up just using an open end wrench to remove the third bolt as well, and I was able to remove the handle while leaving the lock mechanism in place. I highly recommend this approach.

[@sylvesteralvarez417]

I did the drivers door about a year ago and today I did the front passenger door. Your video made it so easy! Thank you for your step by step instructional video!

[@1AAuto]

+Sylvester Alvarez Thank you! We love empowering our customers and showing how to perform DIY auto repairs with our high-quality auto parts. 1AAuto.com

[@1AAuto]

We currently do not have an auto repair video that shows this particular repair. It may be a similar process, but there may be a few different things that you need to do when removing it. We carry replacement door handles for your 2000 Toyota Corrolla on our website 1aauto.com 888-844-3393

[@J-Williams]

You guys rock! I just ordered the part from 1AAuto, and switched the back handle to the front until it arrives. BTW, I called the dealership and they want almost $10 dollars more for one handle than 1AAuto is charging for a pair. Thanks again!

[@jennangel122397]

Thank you for posting the video. The inside of my 1996 is virtually identical and this helped me install my door handle.

[@OneInchofSpace]

Did this repair today and like several other commentators, the handle rod (the large one you removed first in the video) was a real booger to get out of the assembly. I had to break the polymer encasing the rod and clip it in order to remove them.

[@1AAuto]

You're welcome. Have a great day! 1aauto.com 888-844-3393

[@bobparker6727]

two items that might be helpful. first, we snapped off the mounting for one of the 10mm bolts. Perhaps using wd40 before forcing the bolt might be useful. second, had trouble removing the deeply hidden clip. we took out the second bolt and was able to remove the clip from the outside of the door thru a small window gained by partally pulling out the old door handle.

[@lynnharr8953]

Thank you sooo much! I took the advice from a commenter below and unbolted the lock mechanism from the handle (third bolt) instead of forcing the second plastic clip which I couldn't see. Worked better, much easier.

[@donnarogers4925]

Thank you so much. I will try this!

[@donnarogers4925]

Cuz I'm stuck right now

[@zzong738]

Thanks for the video, i was able to change the door handles on my 2001 corolla thanks to you!

[@sammccullough90]

You sir are a gentleman and a scholar!

[@1AAuto]

+Sam McCullough Thanks for the kind words. 1aauto.com 866-403-3393

[@12barbilly]

Thanks! I couldn't have done it without you. I had to use a swivel on one of the 10mm bolts, other than that it was exactly as you showed. Drivers side door 99 corolla interior and exterior door handles.

[@Midnight_Rider96]

Another thing to think about because of the cold weather, don't work on plastic panels when they are cold! More likely to break something.

[@1AAuto]

+Alistair B Thanks for checking us out! That is a fair point and should be kept in mind when working with more delicate pieces and paneling.

[@jadawson1]

I greatly appreciate it! These videos are a life saver! Finally fixed my our door handle!

[@RivasSergio]

Thank you for this video. Well it wasn't quite as easy as you made it seem, and of course that may have a lot to do with my skill level, I was able to replace the handle. Thanks again.

[@TypicallyUniqueOfficial]

So much work just for a door handle. So informative thank you.

[@boeingtrijet]

Really appreciate this video! I've wrenched for 35 years but interior parts can be a bit tricky if you don't know how they are assembled. The break easily especially on older stuff. Thank You!

[@1AAuto]

Thank you for watching. Please let us know how the repair comes out! 1aauto.com 888-844-3393

[@balothtower]

Thanks, I bought some new bolts. It works now, even though the locking mechanism seemed a little janky at first. Mucho thanks for the video!

[@cjagadeesh]

Thanks for the great video. I was able to replace my 2001 car's front door handle with help of this video.

[@leesmith4522]

I can't thank you enough for this video. It was all I needed to push through and while, as one might expect, reality was more difficult for the novice than for you, without the instruction success would have been impossible. I did have to modify a bit: I was unable to remove the locking clip and instead opted to unbolt it from the handle and re-bolt it to the new handle without removing the clip; it worked-out fine. I highly recommend WD-40 on all parts and finding out there was a removable panel to get to the bottom of the door was a life-saver. Having done a bit of automotive repair in the past I knew your df15 minute job would take me much longer, two hours as it turned-out. BUT I'd never have been able to do it without this video. My only regret is not having bought the replacement parts from you --- I didn't know until I'd already purchased them elsewhere --- but I sure will in the future. Again, thank you and here's hoping I don't need this particular vid again. :-)

[@1AAuto]

+Lee Smith Thank you! We love empowering our customers and showing how to perform DIY auto repairs with our high-quality auto parts. 1aau.to/m/Shop-1AAuto-c

[@matt497]

Thank you. Great video and thorough instruction! I was able to successfully install a new handle for my girlfriend's car and saved us a bunch of money.

[@coreyhau]

thanks for taking the time to shoot this and upload it online to share with everyone. much appreciated!

[@sinofber]

Great instructions! Simple to follow, and work for a '97 Corolla 2 hatchback, just don't need to worry about the locking mechanism :-)

[@LawnWrangler323]

Thanks for making these! I been riding around for months with a little rope connected to a broken handle

[@patrickmcintyre5721]

I just did it and it worked perfectly, thanks for posting :)

[@jflow38]

Just did this in my garage from watching the video. Huge help, thanks!

[@1AAuto]

+Jesse Flowers Thanks for checking us out. 1aauto.com

[@robr.8350]

Worked just like in the video accept I un-clipped the lock from the outside. Figured if you can reconnect it then you can remove it too. Also I would suggest ordering new door panel clips. Cars getting old and the clips are getting brittle. Half of mine broke when removing the door. Thanks for the video made the job go quickly.

[@luiscavazos3259]

This video was really helpful well explained I was able to do this with hand tools on my own car and I don't know nothing about cars

[@jsiniguez]

Excellent video. Too the point, showed exactly where the hidden screws were. Thanks!

[@1AAuto]

Thank you for watching. 1aauto.com 888-844-3393

[@trexinvert]

Thanks for the video. I've changed a few "inside" door latches which is easy, but the whole panel removal is like a door speaker install or window regulator replacement job. Guess I have to find my plastic door panel popping tool.

[@dirtyboy8336]

I always thought it was really hard to do the outside door handles but it looks pretty easy. I just have to Have patience. Thanks 1A Auto🙂

[@dougsontag3081]

I’m having trouble with the second lock does the second clip go up or down the one where you have to put your whole hand up into the door I can’t get it for some reason

[@1AAuto]

@Dmtalon9073 You're very welcome, thank you for taking the time to check them out. We also carry a lot of car parts on our website 1aauto.com, all of our repair parts also include FREE SHIPPING in the USA. Have a great day 1aauto.com

[@luisdelvalle9271]

Thank you, God bless you..... today my son Junior help me and fixed my TOYOTA COROLLA 1998 (FRONT DOOR LEFT SIDE).

[@armisis]

Thank you! Will open my corolla 2002 up and see of its an easy fix or if I need to order the replacement. I appreciate the video!

[@1AAuto]

Thanks for watching. Good luck with your repair 1aauto.com 866-403-3393

[@ladyqonimvu8604]

Took me an hour and half but finally got my broken handle replaced . BTW i have a manual window and that c clip is a royal pain to get loose. Thanks

[@markbridenstine2593]

This was incredibly helpful and made it easy to change out the broken handle!

[@1AAuto]

+Mark Bridenstine Thanks for watching. 1aauto.com

[@1AAuto]

No problem at all, have a great day.

[@lordbradley89]

Wahooooo! !!! I don't think I could have done it without the video. Thanks so much. Keep up the good work.

[@1AAuto]

Brad Olson You’re welcome! Thanks for watching 1aauto.com 866-403-3393

[@gbgentry9295]

Great instructional video, thank you! Simple, realistic, included ALL steps and real-life tips/warnings. Thanks again.

[@1AAuto]

+GB Gentry Thank you! We love empowering our customers and showing how to perform DIY auto repairs with our high-quality auto parts. 1AAuto.com

[@josephroberts7504]

Thanks for an excellent video. Good that the new handle comes with a new clip, because the back clip was a struggle to remove, breaking in the fight... the side screw flew out also.. .I was able to put the clip on the lock assemble, before putting in the handle, then securing the 3 bolts...Also the bottom door panel can be remove if anything falls in...

[@1AAuto]

+Joseph Roberts Thank you for checking us out, as well as the advice. This will certainly assist other viewers complete the replacement and pick up bolts which may have fallen through. 1aauto.com

[@capedog18]

thank you A1 Auto Parts, your reasonable prices saved me a lot of money :)

[@1AAuto]

+capedog18 Thank you for your feedback and your business!

[@foutsimercy]

Thank so much. I just did my today. The workshop I took my car wanted a 180,00 euros. I thought that was too much money just for a car handle. There is something I thought maybe I you should say. For me it was easy to open the three screw than removing the second rod.

[@1AAuto]

+foutsi mercy We are happy we could help!

[@lori5538]

I figured it could not be that hard, local places want to charge me 150 - 200 dollars to repair the driver side door inside and out handles! Thank you!

[@1AAuto]

Thanks for watching Lori. We carry new inner and outer door handles for your Toyota Corolla on our website with FREE SHIPPING in the lower 48 states. Here's a link to them on our website if you would like to see what we have. www.1aauto.com/1A/-/Toyota/Corolla/-/-/1998?VideoReply&KZbin&ATony

[@dorothyboehnlein8371]

Thank you, I have now replaced both exterior door handles and both interior door handles. My next task is window regulators on a 2010 Ford expedition.

[@1AAuto]

Dorothy Boehnlein You're welcome! Thank you for watching

[@cathrynallen790]

I'm trying to replace the exterior door handle on my 01 corolla but wondering, before I start tearing into it, if its the same way if it isn't automatic windows. I have manual up windows and wonder if I will come into a problem trying to get the panel off. Can you tell me how to do this please?

[@ryanmendenhall4023]

Cathryn Allen I also have this type of window.

[@jeffmarc1282]

Cathryn Allen I have manual windows' crank as well, I was able to fix the front handle by following his instructions, but the back one is totally different and can't fix it.

[@Pumpalo]

Cathryn Allen need help also with manual windows

[@adrianlopez7075]

I'm doing this rn as we speak and I have the exact same question because my windows are not automatic and I already have the door panel hanging off but I can't completely remove it because of the window handle. Pls help

[@No5elfCTRL]

There is a C clip behind the crank for the window. Removing this will allow you to take off the handle and door

[@1AAuto]

The issue is the clip that holds the rod linkage for the handle might be broke off of the latch. Removing the door panel without the the door being open will be difficult so you might want to call a lock smith to open the door for you and then you can do the work yourself to replace what is broken.

[@zsaclong]

Replaced 2 handles 2nite. Good directions. I ordered parts @ 1Auto. The clip @ 3:28 on the parts i received was oriented in that the back of the clip was not facing me but the opposite way. I switched the clips on my new parts. It was now oriented correctly, but now the hole on the new clips was too narrow & the pole only went in partially regardless of the banging i did, so I had to re-use the old clips from the car. Bit disappointed re: my new parts, but still happy with 2nites DIY project :-)

[@duckman12569]

Thanks man, helped me fix my external door handle (clip broke, replaced with a cable tie). Sadly the rear-door, which has the same broken clip, has the window guide blocking access. As barely anyone uses the rear window, I might take a saw to it... but it's barely used so it's not much of an issue. Not being able to use the drivers side door from the outside WAS an issue however. Again, my thanks.

[@Cheerioette]

Thank you so much for this video. I have been able to install my interior door handles for my 2000 Toyota Corolla just fine, but when it came to removing the interior door I was clueless.

[@1AAuto]

Normally there is a C-clip holding the crank onto the shaft of the manual window. Pushing back the door panel ever so slightly will expose it so you can remove it.

[@scottstevenz8732]

The hardest part was getting the old one off. I couldn't get the top clip off. I ended up breaking the old handle into about 20 pieces with a flat screwdriver. The plastic was brittle, apparently cheap plastic that UV destoys. Then I pulled the lock out from the outside and the clip came off. Dropped one of the flange bolts and it went down into a tiny crevice at the bottom of the door. Made it to the hardware store with 5 minutes to spare and got a couple of the bolts (#6 I think). The gasket around the outside of the handle is pretty tricky to line up right, got to tighten the front bolt partway , line up the pita gasket , put in the rear bolt tighten it as you apply pressure from the outside keeping gasket and handle lined up while tightening. You do have to have quite a bit of manual dexterity to pull all of this off.

[@Herodotus2go]

Excellent video. It really helped me do this job. Also, thanks to 1A Auto for the great price and quick deliver of parts. Thanks again.

[@1AAuto]

+Herodotus2go Thank you for your order. If you would like to leave us a review on Google it would be greatly appreciated. Here is a link to our reviews section. Have a great day! goo.gl/i5JFNY

[@tvcv11]

It was a very good video. Some of the audio was added in after the video was made. Probably that is the best way to do it, bcz it makes it easier to hear.

[@1AAuto]

Thank you for watching. Please let us know how the repair comes out! 1aauto.com 888-844-3393

[@danb1335]

Excellent video! Really helped me to get that door panel off with minimal damage (Still broke one of the clips, no surprise). I completely bypassed removing the clip on the locking mechanism by just removing the bolts that hold the lock to the handle and letting it dangle. I think that the one that Charles is speaking on and the clip the I had the most difficulty with was the one attached to the handle itself. In the video it shows sliding in a flathead screwdriver and turning. Even my biggest flathead couldn't get enough leverage. Eventually I had to jam the handle of a butterknife in between that bar, the clip and the handle. When I twisted that one the entire lever shattered. At least the bar came out and I was able to remove the handle. I'm still not sure why that bar wouldn't come free from the lever/ clip. It doesn't have a lip on it or anything and when I installed the knew handle the bar slid right in. Only thing I can figure is oxidation (It's a 98) causing friction between the bar and that stupid yellow clip! On to the passenger side...

[@chrislomax6744]

for sure helped me out thanks!

[@boathousepks]

Excellent help. I had to reverse the sleeve but that was easy.

[@1AAuto]

+Neil Kennedy Thank you for the great reply. We love to empower our customers by showing you how-to perform your own auto repairs while installing our high quality auto parts. Have a great day! 1aauto.com

[@BougieStripper]

Thank you very much for the video, it was very informative. I successfully replaced my door handle, although it was not as easy as you guys did it in the video. It took a long time to do, and I advise any woman who tries to replace the handle to spray the clips with a lot of WD-40, the WD gets the clips off pretty easy. God Bless you Men for this video, I would of never been able to do the repair without it.

[@blestplays]

I lovebthe videos yall help so much thank you

[@1AAuto]

If you call several shops you will be able to get an average of what they charge as well as the hours it will take each.

[@carlitobx5789]

Thank you this video I feel very confident about doing this job on my car .

[@1AAuto]

+Carlos f Thanks for checking out our videos! If any of our viewers need to make this repair, we carry the part shown in this video on our website. Here's a link to them. We also offer free shipping on all orders in the US. www.1aauto.com/1A/DoorHandleExterior/Toyota/Corolla/1ADHS00043?KZbin&CTA%20Comment&ATony

[@msh0041zz]

Ok thanks for the video, just ordered a replacement and will use this video, Many Thanks!

[@papajon6715]

The un-hooking and re-hooking of the levers that you sped over were the hardest and most time consuming part. Unfortunately my supply of little girl hands was at the store with her Mama. My XL hands didn't want to fit...

[@ThomasLincoln1]

Great video ... took less than 30 min !! Awesome instruction !

[@orangejoe204]

Your video was helpful, with one fairly major caveat: On my 1999 Corolla, the tip of the metal operating rod on the handle side is belled outwards in a flared conical shape like a rivet head where it protrudes through the plastic sleeve on the handle mechanism. Toyota (for some staggeringly stupid and unknown reason) clearly intended the connection between the rod and the exterior handle mechanism to be permanent once it had been pushed through the sleeve. Or maybe they intended it to be only removable with a specialized punch tool of some kind to deter home repair, I have no idea. I discovered this only after much tugging, head-scratching and cursing, since the rod you show here clearly has a flat cylindrical tip with no flare and I was unable to see the tip of my operating rod until I went and got a dental mirror for fear of bending the rod out of shape. Removal and replacement eventually required me to destroy part of the old handle mechanism by cutting through it from the side with heavy-duty wire cutters. Luckily the part I had to cut was plastic and not metal, or I'm not sure what I would have done; the space was too tight to fit a Dremel tool.

[@ellasmith7842]

make sure your window is up!

[@iloveearmins]

Maybe it’s just because my inside panel has never been removed in the 25 years my car has been on this earth, but this “simple” repair was so difficult. After replacing everything back Where it goes, my panel doesn’t sit right. Also doesn’t help we were doing this repair in 100 degree weather.

[@senorsquish1]

just did this to my 96 Camry it was kinda hard. took me about an hour, but the metal wire that holds the lock cylinder was completely off so that was a nightmare to pop back in. could not have done it without watching this video first.

[@1AAuto]

Thank you for the great reply. We love to empower our customers by showing you how-to perform your own auto repairs while installing our high quality auto parts. Have a great day! 1aauto.com +senorsquish1

[@jfjchung]

Great Video...but i have manual windows and I couldn't figure out how to unlatch that. do you have a video showing that? thanks

[@allanrodriguez8647]

Sos un crak amigo Dios te bendiga gracias por tu video

[@zacpedro1002]

Thanks so much, I'm going to do it right now !

[@urbantone]

Thanks for the advice

[@1AAuto]

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

[@Jay-ko7fk]

Thanks for the nice video. For anyone doing this job now I will offer my information. I was unable to use the screwdriver trick to get the rod detached. The plastic arm (part of the door handle) that it was attached to actually snapped off. Since I had a replacement handle it didn’t matter. When I looked at it, the rod tip has a “flattened arrow head” look. It was very difficult to extract it from the yellow retainer. It was almost as if the retainer was the wrong size.

[@1AAuto]

+Jay Thanks for the suggestions and for watching!

[@katiemoroney2187]

Help i cannot get the rod out even after letting wd40 sit on it thats all i need to put the new handle in but i dont wanna break the rod

[@flyingwithestevan]

Thanks a lot

[@andyv3472]

Thank you so much this video helped me replace my door handle

[@1AAuto]

+Andy V Thanks for checking us out. Shop here for high quality auto parts: 1aau.to/m/Shop-1AAuto-c

[@queennchronicales7815]

Thank you for your time spent on this well done video

[@1AAuto]

+Queenn Chronicales Thank you for your feedback!

[@6psycho9]

Wow thank you guys for this great website and tutorials!

[@NatalieMootz]

Great video, thank you. I do confess I laughed when the clip popped out. "Whoa!" LOL

[@CHEAPTHRILLONTHETUBE]

FWIW, I replaced the handle on the rear door of my Avalon today (because plastic eventually breaks) and it seems as the the rear door handle is a lot trickier to get to. One of the hex-head screws is tucked away in the corner and you can only see it through a small hole that is too small for any socket to clear, so you can only reach it through a slot after dismantling the mechanism that "grabs" the door and keeps it shut upon closing it.

[@Dalank60]

thanks for the info was fighting with one of the clips on my car hopefully I got it now

[@reecerobinson6066]

Your videos are great! So my daughter has a 2000 Corolla with both door handles broken. She pulled too hard this past winter when they were frozen shut and that's how they broke. So I can buy a couple handles then tell an auto parts person the color I need and they'll prep a spray can for me? I just need to find out the RAL number for the paint?

[@1AAuto]

+Reece Robinson Thanks for watching! Our handles can be installed as is or painted by your local auto parts shop to match. Yes, you will need the paint code for the handles for them.

[@armisis]

Got it. Thanks! Had to take odd the clip and loosen it a little it was too stiff

[@boomerdiorama]

It might be helpful to point out exactly where the handle mechanism breaks.

[@briancameron7942]

Might be 2 years 2 late but when the weather gets colder then plastic gets stiffer which in theory should make it stronger but in reality it weakens the structure causing them to just snap. All 4 of my front handles have broken💀💀

[@x-31mej0r-5]

Interior door still not clicking like door cant be opened from within unsure why, replaced the interior handle nd still nothing

[@jesseskellington9427]

Do you have a video showing. how to get the door panel off while the door is closed

[@bboyg1]

1:28 is it possible to open a close door like that from the inside? Both my handles broke, inside and just recently the outside. Hence the question. Willing to replace the handles but to do so i would need the for open to work.

[@chg244]

Hi! I've used your video before to replace the handles on my sliding doors and the back for my 2000 TOYOTA SIENNA. I now need to replace the driver's outside handle. I have the part, which I purchased from you, but I can't seem to find the video showing me how to fix it? Could you lead me to it please. Thank you so much! Cindy :)

[@1AAuto]

HI Cindy, Thank you for you order. We currently do not have an auto repair video with this particular repair. If you remove the door panel, you should be able to access the bolts that hold the handle in place. Hope this helps to point you in a direction. 1aauto.com 888-844-3393

[@1AAuto]

@youtubbin16 We currently do not have an auto repair video on that particular repair. We'll keep this in mind during any future repairs.

[@df56gh4d5h]

Thank you all fixed wahooooooooooo!

[@1AAuto]

+Jim W Thanks for checking us out! 1AAuto.com

[@eles2147]

My doors are manual. I did this before took forever the first time. Is there a way i can do this without really taking apart door interior?

[@sonnybee8271]

I need a how to video for the left rear outside handle replacement

[@SCOTTGAMING-hl3hf]

Same here

[@deneshamoore535]

I only have 1 bolt and I'm having a hard time finding 2 more at the hardware store... What is the exact size of the bolts?

[@rosam8088]

The rear one is fun