How to Replace the Door Latch Cable on a 2004 Honda Accord Coupe

[@jerrycalisher7285]

Thanks for the video. It always helps to see someone else doing it. Just a note, after watching your video, I looked at a few others. The one thing I did see that did make it much easier was to remove the door actuator and work on it outside the car. I have a 2004 accord EX sedan and the end of the cable had a protective plastic casing. making it impossible to just pop the end of the cable out. It wasn't that difficult to pull the actuator out. Also to get the correct part number there are a number of online Honda part sites with schematics and part numbers, you just need to enter your VIN to get the right parts. side note: in 2015 I had drivers door actuator replaced at Honda because I just didn't have the time, labor was 370.00. it was basically the same work

[@AJSWoodworks]

Jerry Calisher No, problem! That’s good to know.

[@GatheringSticks]

I had to remove the 3 big Philips screws for the door latch. Much easier to insert the cable end when you can see where it goes. awesome video.

[@AJSWoodworks]

Thank you!

[@jmadden]

Excellent video. Best video I could find. Thanks for putting it together. Saved me $ and time trying to figure it out.

[@bungel657]

This is a very good "How To Do It" video Thank You AJS, I would like to add some helpful hints for others who are going to replace their cable, First off it seems that every year the part numbers for this cable changes plus there is different part numbers for the Right & Left hand door, for instance the cable AJS used for his 2004 was not the same for my 2005, I further checked and the 2003 has a different part number then the 04 & 05, so make sure you double check the part numbers before you order for your year, and by the way the cheapest place I found the cables was on Ebay which cost me $10.50 including shipping from and out of state Honda Dealer. As others have stated the hardest part of this job is getting the Swing Clip to release from the inside back cable end simply because you cannot get your head inside to see it, but I would like to point out that on the outside of the door halfway's down right above where the inside cable is located you will see a "Black Plastic Sight Plug" about the size of a Quarter, if you pop it out and place a small LED Light inside the door near the rear door latch you will be able to see (Limited) the end of the cable and the troublesome clip that's so hard to get at by peering through the hole, I used a sharp Pointed Pick (Ice Pick) and slid the point of it between the clip and the cable end to pop it off, needless to say this is still a Helen Keller type job where you will need to use your skills of feeling and touching because of where the latch is located inside the door.

[@tommygun9859]

Not a "sight plug" but it does work as one. It's for getting at the 10 mill bolts on the door handle for removal.

[@kevinturner3881]

A trick to make the inside connection easier: tape up the exterior door handle and it will give you a little more room. used needle nose vice grips to hold cable, since my hands were too big.

[@billrump8576]

I just finished this job and the most difficult part was hooking up the new cable to the inside latch. I used the mag light app on my iPhone to peer inside. I finally realized that in order to get the new cable into the latch lever you have to pull it forward to get out of the way from the other cable coming in from the top of the door. Once the hook on the cable is in you can rotate it up and squeeze the yellow latch over it to lock it in place. Oh and yes for sure your video showed the cable was installed backwards. Which I am sure made it a bitch to get the green plastic connector to snap into place and the smaller black one on the inside door latch. Thanks for the video though as it did give a good roadmap for the repair. Btw I got the part locally in the Dallas area for $12.10. No reason not to use the real Honda part.

[@AJSWoodworks]

You're welcome. My cable has been working well for over a year now, so maybe it doesn't matter which side goes where.

[@bigdaddy5150sh71]

I'm doing this very thing right now. This vid was gold for me and my repair. 🤘

[@AJSWoodworks]

lucidmomentsofreality 5150 Thank you! I’m glad I could help.

[@exsxpx1]

I fixed mine without having to buy a new cable. Mine was broken just like yours was. All you need is a zip tie and drill two holes near where the broken platic piece lies on the inside of the door handle. It's hard to explain but the zip tie holds down the smaller of the 2 broken plastic pieces against the inside of the door handle assembly so the cable doesn't jump off and become loose.

[@sheldonsumpter8503]

Nice solution! Thanks! Drilling two, 5/16" holes on either side of the smaller plastic piece ("nipple") and threading a small zip tie through the holes and around the "nipple", pinning it down where it is supposed to be worked out great for me.

[@znazn13]

5/16”????? what the heck are you drilling with 5/16 drill holes

[@markcarter5568]

Yeah I got mine done today! You helped me a great deal, but yours was backwards. The foam pads were there to avoid chafing going through the metal frame. I was like isn't this supposed to be one side and the other? Nope it fit right on the hole through the frame.

[@martytruelove5026]

Nice to see you do this WITHOUT wearing gloves,nice video,Thanks.

[@AJSWoodworks]

Marty Truelove Haha, no problem.

[@jameskendricks3245]

I will perform this repair soon but I wanted to see the level of difficulty before I tackled the repair. Pretty easy to do and I thank you for the video! Now to order the part...

[@AJSWoodworks]

James Kendricks Absolutely, I'm glad I could help.

[@joel1189]

The green piece goes to the handle though, Good step-by-step

[@Darrell89foamboyy]

Georgia Joe I knew somebody was going to catch that lol

[@joel1189]

Yeah man but it's a good video on the job .

[@martytruelove5026]

@@Darrell89foamboyy Yes,it was reversed,everything would work much better in lining up...GOOD EYE Joe.

[@jasonmcclane8574]

Thank you for this video, I used it to replace my passenger side cable and without your images of how the hooks attached it would have been a real struggle!

[@AJSWoodworks]

Jason McClane No problem! I’m glad I could help.

[@ChocolateCoffin23]

At the junkyard rn this helps ur the man for this lol

[@AJSWoodworks]

Marco M Haha, thanks!

[@rubielcadena4912]

Hey just wanted to let you know that the link you put for the passenger door doesn’t fit the 2 door coupe models, it’s for the 4 door sedan. Hopefully you can fix it

[@AJSWoodworks]

Thank you for letting me know! Apparently that part has been discontinued and is no longer on some sites like Amazon.

[@rubielcadena4912]

@@AJSWoodworks do you think the drive side cable would fit the passenger side? I’m going to fix mine soon

[@AJSWoodworks]

@@rubielcadena4912 I don’t see why it wouldn’t work fine for the passenger side too. It doesn’t seem to be “sided” in any way since it can just be rotated for the other side. Let me know if it works!

[@rubielcadena4912]

@@AJSWoodworks I will, thank you!

[@dsauce24]

Question- are you sure the green side goes in the door and not behind the handle? I’m about to replace one and the broken piece right behind the door cable looks exactly like the green piece you put inside the door

[@AJSWoodworks]

dsauce24 I’m positive. If you watch the part of the video where I disassemble the door, you can see a very similar yellow piece to the black piece on the new one.

[@AJSWoodworks]

Also, my handle has been working great since, so even if it is backwards it shouldn’t be an issue, haha.

[@dsauce24]

Okay awesome! Thank you! I’m changing out the window regulator / motor based on your video as well! They are great!

[@AJSWoodworks]

dsauce24 Yeah, no problem! I hope the installs go well for you.

[@EldenTriLee]

I think almost everyone breaks their cable when trying to replace the speakers. I broke both of mine, had super glued them back on and it's worked for years, but now I have to replace the window motor so I might have to replace this cable if it comes undone when I try to get the panel off.

[@Gmcoss]

Hey I removed the panel off and well the cable is there but the green plastic piece is hooked in to my door handle ! Not to the bottom part of the door !! So am wondering if you are 💯 how it goes or you might Installed it backwards or maybe mine was already replaced before and put back together backwards wrong !!!

[@AJSWoodworks]

G. Michael Coss I don’t know if either one is correct or not, but what I do know is that my cable has been working perfectly for the last year, so maybe it doesn’t matter.

[@joel1189]

The green goes to the handle.

[@joel1189]

It will work both ways but not really correct. You can see the correct way in the video in the beginning of video. The reason I know is I tint windows and I see it alot

[@joemegguh9298]

did yours have a cover on the door actuator

[@zaurnagiyev]

Simple and very informative video. Thank you.

[@AJSWoodworks]

Zaur Nagiyev Thank you!

[@Doc2705]

Thanks for posting. I replaced mine and the cable is the exact same length as the old one but my door doesn’t open after I did it. Even though they are the same length it seems to long when attached; it has slack in it. Have you ever heard of that? Have any suggestions?

[@AJSWoodworks]

I don’t know how that could happen unless one of the plastic end anchors is not attached.

[@Doc2705]

@@AJSWoodworks And all of a sudden it works🤔. I didn’t do anything and it just started working.

[@AJSWoodworks]

@@Doc2705 Well that’s crazy. Glad to hear it!

[@DashaunLV]

Very helpful video but trying to put that piece in the inside of the door isn't easy takes time and can be a little stressful. I suggest when trying to put it in roll your window down so you can look at the reflection but be careful.But thanks for the vid helped me out.

[@AJSWoodworks]

Dash Williams No problem! I'm glad I could help.

[@victorcarmona8378]

Muchas gracias, ahora sé cómo reemplazar el cable, saludos

[@AJSWoodworks]

You’re welcome!

[@jaimesaenz4646]

So I have a 2006 Honda Accord ex coupe and the passenger side cable latch is broken. I am on Amazon looking for the cable, you think you can send me a good link?, I can’t find the cable only the drivers side are the cable interchangeable from driver to passenger?

[@AJSWoodworks]

Here you go! Sorry for the wait. amzn.to/3rgXy9y

[@coldstone4877]

Hey Man U helped me a lot I just have one question. After we got the first side of the cable off we ran into a situation where the other side of the cable is connected to a little box . I wanted to know if u can give me any input on that

[@AJSWoodworks]

Trapology the cable should be attached in two places: deeper in the door where the exterior door handle attaches, and closer to the front of the door where the intrigue handle connects.

[@jazminsolis3647]

Thank you! It help me a lot God bless you

[@AJSWoodworks]

Jazmin Solis No problem! I’m glad I could help.

[@MrX-xc9nf]

Only thing I noticed is the new cable you installed was backwards. That's prob why it was difficult to get in

[@neilburgess8751]

Why doesn’t your 2004 accord have the cable in the lock actuator like mine. Totally different. Not even close!

[@NITESLEEP]

I have an 04 accord lx and the door latch cable is running to the actuator and doesn’t look like this at all. What am I supposed to do?

[@AJSWoodworks]

It’s possible that you may need a different part if you have a sedan vs my coupe. Otherwise, I’m not sure how to help unless I know what your cable looks like.

[@Mrdubomb]

my local dealership sells that cable for 12 bucks, and the door checker too for 20, thats what these parts should cost.

[@izzydavis8318]

Great video but how do we put the spot back on the same way?

[@AJSWoodworks]

Izzy Davis The spot?

[@izzydavis8318]

AJS Woodworks I mean the door! It won’t snap on as tight

[@AJSWoodworks]

Izzy Davis Double check that your tabs are poking through the holes far enough to click. If you have all of your tabs, maybe the door isn’t sliding in at the top, or overlapping correctly.

[@michaelho274]

I upgraded front speakers with 2004 Honda Accord LX 4 Doors. Unfortunately, I broke both latch cables. I order both cables from Amazon. So far, I receive passage side cable. I am trying to figure out how we can use the other alternative way that could be save ton of time and frustrations to get the inside of the car. I plan to do this weekend then I will post the result.

[@AJSWoodworks]

Michael Ho Awesome, let me know how it goes.

[@nolathompson2038]

thanks a bunch, very helpful

[@AJSWoodworks]

No problem! I'm glad I could help.

[@brianmoran4178]

Are the wires for both driver and passenger the same

[@AJSWoodworks]

Brian Moran No, there is a right and a left side cable.

[@Tiffiany]

Hello, what kind of silicone are you using for the vapor barrier please?

[@AJSWoodworks]

Tiffiany I used 100% silicone that you would typically use for bathroom repair.

[@toolman67]

What do you do if you cannot open the door due to the cable being broken?

[@AJSWoodworks]

Can you open the passenger door?

[@toolman67]

@@AJSWoodworks nope.

[@AJSWoodworks]

@@toolman67 You can lay the seat down from the trunk and climb through, but other than that, I’m not sure how you could get in. Are both your door cables broken?

[@toolman67]

@@AJSWoodworks I thought that it was, but the more I wiggled it and tried to open it, it suddenly started working. I don't know if something got stuck, but it seems okay for the time being.

[@lucasbarahona9384]

Very good video

[@AJSWoodworks]

lucas barahona Thank you!

[@lucasbarahona9384]

AJS Woodworks thank you. The video is very helpful. I just changed the driver side mirror from my tsx acura 2004 and now for some reason I don't know,I can open my car from outside but not from inside but I think you gave a good idea how to fix it. Gotta try to fix it later to see what happens

[@znazn13]

What happens if that plastic piece broke that goes to your door handle where can I buy a new one

[@AJSWoodworks]

@@znazn13 Which plastic piece?

[@znazn13]

@@AJSWoodworks the plastic piece that goes to the door handle. I already figure it out. The whole door latch is getting replaced and I have to order that door cable separately and I’m reusing the door lock cable

[@johncasoni4379]

Unlatching the cale on the left side is difficult but doable. Another video shows it better. Best way to see it is with window down and looking down from above, looking into the door slit. It's also a bit difficult to resnap both the end of the new cable into place as well as pushing it back into door metal piece that holds it into place on the left side. A better view of left inside connection: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eJXPiqR_a5p5apY

[@AprilTaurus35]

Thank you.

[@AJSWoodworks]

No Problem!

[@SVTCO]

My latch cable failed and kept having to open the door from the outside. They want way too much for a new one plus I don't trust the crimped ends so i just used 316 stainless steel tig filler rod alittle thinner than a close hanger wire and cut it to the length of the cable and bent a hook on both ends. You'll never have to deal with it again because the rod won't break and there's no need for crimping any end fittings.

[@AJSWoodworks]

SVTCO If it works, then that’s great. I figured that since the first cable lasted for 13 years, I would be fine with a similar replacement.

[@Maarrtinn]

I think you did it backwards lol but it still worked 🤷‍♂️

[@AJSWoodworks]

831-cm6 Haha, I just put it in like I took the old one out, but hey, it works to this day.

[@Maarrtinn]

Right on ! I messed mine up the other day while I was going to try to replace my actuator.. I'm bummed out but already ordered the cable.. anyways thanks for the video! Helps out a whole lot

[@sosabilly535]

How much⁉️⁉️

[@AJSWoodworks]

Sosa Billy How much for the part? You can see what they’re currently selling it for on the link provided in the description.

[@raiderrichard7291]

How much did the cable cost? 125$ hahahahahaha. No, but really, how much did the cable cost?

[@AJSWoodworks]

Sumtingwong Richard I bought it for about $15. Here’s the link: www.amazon.com/2003-2004-Compatible-Accord-Handle-Release/dp/B01KMQNGCK/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&qid=1532550388&sr=8-1&keywords=72171-SDN-A02&linkCode=sl1&tag=ajswoodworks-20&linkId=19e605a5157486027f78ba6085cd6a75&language=en_US

[@jaysmith6013]

Thanks for the effort to film this but unfortunately this video is just not helpful. I still can’t figure out how to unlatch it from the inside then hook the new cable in

[@AJSWoodworks]

Jermain Jones I tried as best as I could, but that space is too small to see into very well. I had to feel back into the door and unhook the plastic clip and slide out the cable. It was easy to get off, but getting the new one back on will be harder.

[@jaysmith6013]

AJS Woodworks Thanks for the reply brother! I appreciate your effort for posting a video... it’s not your fault it’s a tedious job in tight spaces. I’m wondering if I can’t get the new cable in... will it affect my ability to open the door from the outside?

[@AJSWoodworks]

Jermain Jones No problem. It won’t affect your ability to open it from the outside, there is a separate cable for that handle. You could always just roll down your window and open it from the outside handle in the meantime.

[@jaysmith6013]

AJS Woodworks Lol that’s what I’ve been doing for a year now! That’s why I really wanted to get this latch replaced.. I’m considering just taking it to someone

[@michaelho274]

If you still not fix it, you may email to me. I can provide the trick without replace the cable to fix the door latch problem that you cannot open the door from inside. I need you car year, make, and model. I fix my 2004 Honda Accord LX both doors latch broken at the end of the cable there I cannot open door from inside. I did not replace the cables that cause too much time and frustrations. If you remove the door panel you peek to see the green connector is broken or not, most of time this parts are plastic after many years they are always broken but it still working. Good Luck!