Ford Focus Door Handle Replacement (DOOR DOESN'T OPEN)

[@OMFGory]

if anyone is curious what the part replaced in this video is called, door handle reinforcement

[@thomasroberts5658]

Thsts what I needed to know

[@NathanaelNaused]

Thank you! That was helpful

[@petestanton1945]

Thanks! We also never found a broken part. We just pushed the rotating plate & the handle worked again! So we sprayed WD4O in there & put it all back together. Maybe in cold weather it just gets stuck when it's old?

[@kenwood9057]

I can see I'm going to have to watch this video several times before I start. Your patience is admirable.

[@ModologyMotorsports]

Thank you. It took several hours to finish. Hope the video helps you!

[@locotrucker46]

Thanks to your video I was able to fix the door handle on my 07 ford focus. Thanks so much for posting it.

[@LordQbak]

Thx for the video. I did this today and finally I didn't replace the reinforcement. If your problem is - door doesn't open - you don't need to. Just regulate that one bar @11:01. You neet to disengage it from the reinforcement and rotate it a few times, it have a thread. Test it and it will be OK :)

[@KardiFan2000]

rotate it clockwise or counter-clockwise?

[@curiosity2314]

I'm going to tackle this soon on a 2007 rear door, yours looks like a first gen but I don't think they changed it much if at all. 100% with you on Beau!

[@micaelantunes7055]

You did not had to replace the handle reiforcement. What happened to your handle was the same that happened to mine. Over time, the metal springy thing you see on the part, colects dust and loses the ability to move freely. A lot of WD40 and some persuasion by hand will make it free again. Good as new. Thanks for the video bro. It helped a lot on the disasemble/ assemble process.

[@thomasroberts5658]

Man I hope what you did will work for me coz his video kinda scares me I’m gonna take my door panel off first and study real good why it’s not working my food handle just pulls out but won’t open the door no tention on it at all

[@micaelantunes7055]

@@thomasroberts5658 you dont need to worry is very simple.

[@gabgarcia5446]

Hi. Did you need to remove the lock assembly like Blake did to spray the spring thing? If not how did to get to it? Thank you

[@micaelantunes7055]

@@gabgarcia5446 yes i did. It's very hard to do it in place. And is easy enough to take it apart. Just make sure everything moves freely enough with enough lub. And put all together.

[@gabgarcia5446]

@@micaelantunes7055 thank you. I’ll give this a try.

[@pierangelozarpellon6190]

Hello, thanks for the video, tomorrow fix the Focus door with this information, good night Blake.

[@christinaparker5119]

I'm so very thankful for this video. I've started doing everything my car needed as far as repairs. I've tackled thermostat housing,rear wheel bearing(holy crap it was stuck good),and now this god forsaken door handle. I'm doing my catalytic converter friday on my own..or at least attempt it. But again thank you to guys like you, for videos like this,for girls like me (and guys)... I really do appreciate the time you people put into these.

[@ModologyMotorsports]

Thank you so much! That means a lot!

[@franklinfocus]

I just bought myself a badass black 2004 zx3 yesterday and it came with a broken door handle. I can assure you this job is very easy so don’t be intimidated by it. The hardest part is getting that damn spring lock thing back on the roll up window handles 🔥🙏 be patient 🎉

[@mikejames663]

That was pretty much a good demonstration on the removal and replacing, thank you.

[@3ternalvigilance262]

Very glad I found your video. Everything came apart easy for me. Getting it back together .. What a puzzle. Thank you for taking the time to make a video about this. It helped me quite a bit.

[@henryjacobsen4937]

Absolutely brilliant video! I did most of the repair without taking too much apart, but I ran into the same issue with the hole not being aligned for an after market part. What I did though, was Drexel the metal on the outside edge, instead if making the hole bigger. Thanks for the vid!

[@Jt-rz1nl]

Invaluable video my man, I am working my way through it, thanks. Tip to self, buy replacement part before I start next time

[@ModologyMotorsports]

Glad it helped

[@MBauer-wi4kq]

Thank you for the detailed video. I will not take on this chore, to challenging for me. Will replace my door instead as rostet.And it’s an easier solution. Great video tutorial!

[@ModologyMotorsports]

You're welcome!

[@daniellaudman8580]

I think I may do the same.

[@FerreraGlen]

THANK YOU! You save me a lot of time and the cost of taking my POS Focus in for repairs. My problem was a different part but your video showed me exactly what to do.

[@ModologyMotorsports]

Glad it helped

[@honourable_id]

My focus is 23 years old. has ~190K miles on it, I have had no significant problems other than the AC failing after 21 years. Still runs strong, was very regularly maintained and It was never garaged. Looks pretty good and except for this door handle is perfect. I don't consider it a POS. I got my money's worth.

[@jeremey2072]

@@honourable_id Yeah, exactly. I love my 2005 Ford Focus! (65k miles) 5 speed manual, nothing electronic on it so it's been pretty simple to do most repairs and very fun to drive. My wife likes it too she calls it "her car" lol - I'm probably going to be tackling this project this weekend so wanted to get a feel for what I am getting into and if I should start in the morning because it looks like it's going to take all day. The handle is not working very well, and when it gets below freezing there is no hope in getting in, especially if you lock it because that lock wont to turn. Thanks @ModologyMotorsports for taking the time to record this video, I'm sure I'll be using it to reference for sure.

[@richardmontano2701]

Great video! I just replaced the inside handle part and used your video to get a visual of what i was in for. Perfect! Everything works great now

[@stevebrown3169]

Have to replace mine also this video will help me out thank you man. For the great video

[@scottd9595]

Thanks for the video, fixed my 06 Focus. It was a little different but essentially the same. Very helpful!

[@djstikzo9431]

I could watch this video over and over again, and still feel like I could not do what you did; that's how you are. Thank you for sharing with us this tip, my car is doing the same was as yours; and that hook that connects to the handle has gone up. But Jah I'll give it a try.

[@ModologyMotorsports]

Just take your time. Don't get in a rush. I hope the video helps! Once I got the drivers side fixed... The passenger side failed. 😓😓😓

[@djstikzo9431]

@@ModologyMotorsports damn that is never nice, but atleast I know you can fix it.

[@TheJuanSolid]

Just did this on the passenger side. Your most likely cause of failure is the door handle reinforcement so get that and the outside handle. Found mine had a rust bolt that snapped off in the outside handle quarter part. The bolt closest to the rear that goes through the reinforcement and into the quarter part. I would recommend getting etc weatherstripping sealant to put on the plastic shims between the actual handle and the door. I though it was the replacement screw I used not tightening enough making it appear loose. Figured this would let water in so I gently pried and shoved the sealant in. I checked the other doors and they are slightly loose as well. I imagine this is why the mechanism inside was probably getting stuck since our passenger door is rarely used. Having to pull harder puts unecessary stress on the mechanism inside. I used dry synthetic lube on the parts to hopefully prevent a future failure. As for taking the whole mechanism apart, it did not seem necessary to me. There is a little clip on top I was able to push the reinforcement off of. This allowed me to move the reinforcement around and push it off the metal arm. I slid the other one back on. Getting the entire assembly back in was a bit challenging. Did not seem to want to go in the same way I got it out. Seems you really need to get the reinforcement in first through the larger top hole and have it come back out the bottom whole. This allows the larger mechanism to go back in facing near up, then you have to rotate carefully clockwise (again I am doing this on the passenger side) until it's right side up entirely. Good luck all!

[@jeremey2072]

Yup that's what I'm doing, pretty inexpensive around $40 for both parts.

[@roberts1102]

Great video. Thanks Blake, couldn't have done it without your video.

[@ModologyMotorsports]

Thanks!

[@LesDeplorables]

I should warn everybody that there is more than one type of actuator for any model year. Mine had electric locks and I ended up having to buy the 8 pin connector unit. There is also a 3-pin electrical connector unit. I think there might be more but I didn't pay attention because I got the one I wanted. Don't just assume any of them are the same when you buy your replacement or pull one from a junkyard. I saw guys on the Ford fanatic Forum talk about how to renovate the actuator as well if you don't want to buy anything.

[@LesDeplorables]

I looked around and RockAuto had the lowest price for mine for a new one. $97 plus shipping. AutoZone and O'Reilly wanted about $180. This is a newer comment during the time of Biden inflation

[@thomasroberts5658]

This ain’t gonna be fun

[@lukecheek3505]

Wearing a honda hat and working on a ford! Good video, thanks for the information.

[@ModologyMotorsports]

Both my Hondas are out of commission, but the Focus keeps going! 😂

[@antoninchernov3411]

Thank you. I replaced the same part with the help of your video.

[@eddiesheeran5791]

Great video Blake, thanks man! I'll probably be doing this repair for someone soon.

[@locotrucker46]

I just subscribed to your channel because I just recently bougt a 07 focus zx4 st and I'm having the same problem with the drivers door not opening. I got the door panel off and I can't tell if the handle is the problem or that big piece inside the door. It looks like a lot of work and I'm kind of intimidated by it. I guess I'll watch your video again and maybe I can figure it out

[@evelynperez9580]

This was the only video i found helpful! Thank you

[@edcrabb]

I have this problem, on a 2008 four door Focus. The issue I have, is I can't see or feel the second Torx screw toward the front of the door handle reinforcement. The bottom of the metal support for the window is in the way. When I crank the window down, I can't see the screw either. I know its there someplace, but I cant get it loose. I managed to figure out all the other parts before I saw this video. My door does not have all the large access holes yours does either. I have both front doors doing this and can not get the second screw out on either. I guess I may have to remove the window and window regulator assemblies. I really don't know what else to do. This is the worst design I have ever seen for a friggen Door Handle. All the GM products I have replaced door handles and or lock cylinders, were tough as in very close tolerances for the screw holes, but at least I could get to them. My observation: THIS SUCKS!

[@ssprinklep9107]

Great video! Did you notice anyway one could do a temp fix while waiting for the part? I broke it today and am already sick of climbing through my car.

[@ssprinklep9107]

Update. You can rig up a temp fix but it is not worth the hassle. It took me hours of expletives, and it still didn't work very well. I would recommend just get the part ordered asap.

[@sl8774]

@@ssprinklep9107 Did you end up fixing it with the part? I pulled my handle a little hard in the -13 Alaskan cold and the frozen turd broke. Loose and won’t open door. Also had a string that I pulled a certain way to open the door but as you said not worth the hassle so I cut it.

[@ssprinklep9107]

@@sl8774 Yes, I ordered the repair part from ebay for like 15 bucks. It's a pretty easy fix. One hard to reach screw.

[@bitburner]

Exactly what I needed. Thanks for doing this bro.

[@fleshpistol]

People that do this shit are amazing humans. I don't think a lot of people realize that with the right mind set and awesome people like this guy we can fix the world! This helped me know what I am getting myself into soon.

[@ModologyMotorsports]

Thank you!

[@VulcanDriver1]

My Mondeo needs a replacement handle. Does the Focus have a rubber stopper on the door. If so remove it and you'll find a single tork screw turn it once and it frees the door handle. Plenty of KZbin videos. Look for Mondeo MK3 door handle replacement.

[@casualagent7250]

Same thing has just started happening to my mk1 Focus, if I come into a bit of money will get a garage to do it, or will attempt it myself 🤔if funds are low

[@colemanjohnson491]

Very helpful thanks a bunch for your information it really hope me a lot keep up the good work

[@patg0218]

Thanks for the video, it will be helpful when I tackle my door handle this week.

[@trent8546]

Bend the actuator rod back straight, is all that's necessary

[@robertuffman3041]

just what i needed. ty. i hope my goes as smooth as yours. lol

[@diegorz2654]

Me agrada que pueda entenderlo, gracias a los subtítulos!! Excelente video! 😁👌

[@hellotrump2024]

We also had trouble with the retainer clip for the latch. Make sure its still good before you put it back together. It will hopefully save you some time. The plastic retainer clip was only 15 bucks on line.

[@SPARTAN8479]

Thanks man! Super helpful! Love your channel!

[@ModologyMotorsports]

Thank you!

[@n32am]

Thank you! this was exactly what I needed!

[@williamcastrojr743]

I had one quick question before I get started about how much iam looking to spend on the replacement part iam looking for what u got nothing expensive but just gets the job done so a cheap foreign part works for me and being that my 2002 Ford focus is electric windows do I just skip that part and will I be essentially looking at the same thing in my driver side car door/handle?

[@ModologyMotorsports]

I can't remember exactly what I paid for the piece, but I got it from Amazon. Under 40 bucks I think

[@trent8546]

All you have to do is bend the actuator rod back straight, very simple . People are changing actuator and isn't necessary

[@jamescarlson4676]

So why are these door handles failing? Is there any quick fix to get by till parts arrive? It of course happened to the exterior driver handle

[@ra35491]

Thank you this helped so much.

[@ModologyMotorsports]

I'm so glad!

[@jasonhulsey5894]

First of all I tried to do this fix for a friend and im no novice when it comes to automotive work but this critter......Her doors never been the same and i still hear about it so im just gonna replace everything! lol... My question is the hardware, the T-20 torque screws etc... How many of those screws are there in all? And can you buy a set that has the diff sizes and all the hardware i need? Help!

[@alexanderwassell1230]

Id that Grizzley Wintergreen or cope Long on the speaker panel?

[@paulynotshore7006]

Thanks for the vid mine just broke now!....

[@DavidBrafford-f5b]

About to take this job on wish me luck

[@kyleb6325]

Sick video man!

[@HERRON13]

I can't get that little white plastic but out to take the old inner part of to put new one on how did yi do that

[@jteahmdoom6911]

What would this piece be called?? Trying to fix my door currently.

[@jamowhite1177]

Just did today thank you

[@jetstar1961]

window crank, to remove fast, use a rage, works well

[@BruceLyeg]

I'm always angry when I work on my car anyway

[@BigEightiesNewWave]

mine rage-turn snapped mine off.

[@shawnmiracle4659]

Do you know the size of the top left side screw that goes through to the door handle? Dropped it in the garage and can’t find in anywhere...

[@ModologyMotorsports]

No, I'm sorry!

[@shawnmiracle4659]

Modology Motorsports I also wanted to say “Great video”. Very well done. Close detail and specific explanation when needed. And some fast forward to skip the easier parts 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@ModologyMotorsports]

Thanks! Glad it helped!

[@trent8546]

Actuator rod gets bent and is no longer long enough to make revolution ,bend back straight, do not buy new actuators it is not the problem, certified mechanic speaking

[@BigEightiesNewWave]

you are correct , got a 2001 ZX3 like new with only 56k miles and this is only thing wrong with it. Passenger side Thank God. One-owner car with window sticker even.

[@christinawahlberg6805]

I feel like this is a journey I'm wholly unprepared for.... but I'm down to my back passenger side door out of the 4 I started with😱💀

[@rachelgibson1858]

Ugh I started dismantling mine which is manual locks and windows. So no power buttons. But can't even access the door handle on the inside of door because the window sits over it. Whether the window is up or down, the glass is blocking it.

[@benreifhardt4471]

How do you take the little plastic piece apart that screws on to the spring rod?

[@benreifhardt4471]

I figured it out. Just have use a small punch and lightly Hanmer out the plastic pin

[@mikewhitecotton8551]

Did you do this with the window installed?

[@johnlavender242]

This information is great - unless the car is locked and the hatch opens only from the inside. There isn’t any way to unlock the doors without a slim Jim.

[@ModologyMotorsports]

True. My ex locked her keys in the Focus no joke, maybe 10 to 12 times. I got so good at opening it with a coat hanger and a screw driver. The trick is, to get the hanger behind the door handle and pop it out. Pulling the handle will open the door if it's locked too.

[@timothymcfarland1483]

Lol..looks like it might be cheaper to just buy a whole new door or used from junk yard and replace the whole door..that looks like quite a project..and oh..I have an 09 focus..and this just happened to me that's why I'm watching this video.. jus pull the handle and nothing happens..

[@efanutz]

nice job mate!

[@S0LOW_]

thanks man now i can fix my moms car =)

[@LesDeplorables]

Good video however I came here because the door wouldn't open from the inside or outside driver door. I watched this and then I went on Ford Fanatics forum online and found a thread. Actually I found two threads that dealt with how to get the darn door open. There were two guys arguing over whether to push or pull to fix this. I did both. I had the power window down because I was trying the inside and outside handle. I reached down and took the screw out from behind the handle. And then I went to an opposite door and took just the handle part off to see how it came off. Once I knew about the three that hold the cover over the handle, the same ones you take off later in your video and not earlier. I went back to the driver's side. I was able to get the rear of the three clips and then I had to really mess around it and poke around carefully to get the other two clips to let go. They were pressed against the dash when the door is closed. You might be able to just pop the rear clip and reach in with a needle nose carefully After You observe carefully. You have to be careful how you take it off the handle with the handle forced open. That's why I took the passenger side off to see how it worked before I did it on the closed door.. In my case the cable wasn't opening the door similar to yours. The Ford fanatics said that sometimes these things simultaneously lock and unlock and it messes up the actuator. I read how to push and pull on the cable on the handle and finally I lucked out and it actually open the door. Once I had the door open I made damn sure that it did not get closed again since it wasn't working to begin with! I tried to test it with the door open shutting the latch manually and using a screwdriver to pop it open. And it wouldn't open again! It was obvious the actuator was not working so then I followed your video. I figured out how to disconnect it inside without taking the outside handle out. I had already pulled the screws but I actually didn't have to pop the top part , the part on the lock and outside handle. I had to figure those stupid Clips out. A manual book would probably help you do this too. But it's a pain to get the door open. Somebody experienced can figure it out one way or another though. I didn't think I could do it and I did it. You always want to be careful on doors or you will start busting stuff that will be a pain to fix later. I lucked out getting mine open or I would have had to go pay somebody

[@beastboy5235]

Same fr

[@cyangalaxy8545]

Thx for your video it helped me out

[@ModologyMotorsports]

Glad to hear it

[@ilikeike]

Same thing happened to mine. This video was very helpful!

[@jeffhoenig8979]

Do you have a part number for that?

[@ModologyMotorsports]

No, just search on Amazon or ebay for "Ford Focus inner door handle".

[@anthonyhopper8924]

Jeff Hoenig the part number is 81970 dorman door handle-exterior

[@skylabryant8279]

My locking mechanism rod is just hanging loose it’s not in the locking mechanism, so does that mean I need a whole new locking mechanism?

[@92camaro100]

No you don’t need a hole new lock mechanism, that same rod can go right back in the same hole of the lock mechanism, the clip probably broke and it came out, if you cant find the original rod plastic clip, order new ones on amazon and have somebody to reinstall the rod back into the lock mechanism.

[@stephenlubin3342]

How do you get into the car if none of the handles work? Trunk will not open either.

[@JC-oz6xn]

Can opener!

[@danellison1555]

What’s that part called u had to get?

[@iancurtise8755]

Thanks for this video! How many labor hours would be a reasonable charge for this job overall?

[@ModologyMotorsports]

4 honestly. Getting the assembly reassembled did take some time.

[@iancurtise8755]

@@ModologyMotorsports 4 Hours, really? Wow

[@mikestone1967]

What is that inside part called?

[@BeastmodeBeats]

You made that way harder than it was supposed to be!

[@NitroNilz]

So what’s the easier way?

[@sanelekunene7344]

In my case, the door is locked from inside and outside and is not opening. The unlocking and locking is happening in the other door. On tha driver's door it only makes sound but doesn't open

[@Newwaver2007]

Dang, that’s quite a task for a newie like me. But.. I think I might wanna try it, but I do need to get a replacement part at hand

[@noemiybarra2835]

Got mine from 1A Auto. They were very helpful with all their videos, and had fast shipping. Modology did a great job with this handle reinforcement.

[@iancurtise8755]

Putting the new one on 13:55

[@musamusayev7755]

May I know what is the part number?

[@thomasshaver1478]

Thank you very helpful!

[@iancurtise8755]

T-20, T-30, Flathead screwdriver, and pliers are the main tools used here. Anything else?

[@beastboy5235]

How did he get the door open 😅

[@durpshady7751]

Ok this is q good video, but what if you don't have a keyhole in your hatch. So I can't get into my car at all

[@solitude7566]

Can anyone tell me the name of the part replaced here? Is it the integrated door handle?

[@LesDeplorables]

Door actuator?

[@solitude7566]

@@LesDeplorables I was able to find one on Amazon a while back. It was listed as a "bracket base reinforcement" for a door handle. Not sure what Ford calls it.

[@BeastmodeBeats]

Remind people to disconnect the battery

[@curtisrichner4878]

The whole point of these videos is to show step by step how to disassemble an reassemble. For all we know you had someone else put it together.

[@ModologyMotorsports]

I cut out all the filler of me trying to put it back together. Getting those rods figured out with nothing to go off of was tough. I was hoping seeing it together from a couple different angles would help.

[@grogman1911]

Darn. I would’ve liked to see how the mechanism operates.

[@clueless1011]

Thanks

[@Slip0824]

For anyone needing to hear this, it could also be the rounded metal piece that pushes against the big flat metal piece. Mine broke all the way off. Gotta replace the entire door handle to fix it 🙄

[@christianarzola5927]

What’s the name of that part you replaced

[@forzahorizon4edits78]

Hey by any chance do u have a turbo kit for a Zx3

[@ModologyMotorsports]

No, but I wish!

[@elrose503]

Ok, but how do you open the door if it was close? That's my problem, can you tell me Please?

[@ModologyMotorsports]

I crawled in through the back hatch! 😁👍

[@melissalove7210]

@@ModologyMotorsports none of my 4 doors will open from the outside or inside now. How do you change door mechanism inside the door if you can't get the panel off? Without destroying the panel or the exterior of the door?

[@eastcoastgrandison4855]

Whats the name of that inside door handle you're replacing

[@ModologyMotorsports]

www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/ford,2002,focus,2.0l+l4+dohc,1385557,body,outside+door+handle+reinforcement,20628

[@sylviajonesdavisstevenson5220]

That's happening with my car, and the trunk continues to open on its own. What can I do to resolve this type of situation? Thanks

[@keerascruggs5050]

My trunk is the exact opposite. It’ll ONLY open with the key.

[@BigEightiesNewWave]

adjust the striker.

[@rampage1345]

For the HORDE!!! Lol nice Tatoo on your hand man

[@ModologyMotorsports]

Thanks! For the Horde!!!

[@Miseries_Company]

What's that new part called?

[@noemiybarra2835]

Door handle reinforcement

[@csoled11]

What's the year of your Focus?

[@ModologyMotorsports]

It's a 2001.

[@csoled11]

@@ModologyMotorsports thank you. There is a difference between 2001 to 2004, 2005 to 2007. That is probably why you had problem with the clip clipping. Great video nevertheless, now I feel ready to do it myself👍.

[@trent8546]

Bend the actuator rod ,very simple

[@EmiGirl-d6v]

Link to part!

[@eastcoastgrandison4855]

I'm having a hard time getting the lock out that small opening.

[@thomasroberts5658]

What a pain I e got to look forward to still not sure what part to buy

[@BigEightiesNewWave]

I saw videos on here where no latch removal was needed..

[@hondamancoleman]

Thats the newer style handle ford changed the design at some point to a different rod style that just pops in not the one with the spring on it