96 Camry door lock linkage rod - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

johnflaherty · 01-18-2009, 08:22 AM

I changed out my driver's side exterior door handle and the linkage rod for the door lock came off at the door latch end. The door opens, but I can not lock or unlock it with the key. I do not know how to re-attach it, or even where it goes. Any advice would be appreciated. Any photos would really be appreciated.

djb2 · 01-18-2009, 06:26 PM

There are two linkage rods to the external handle. One connects to the lock cylinder, and the connecting end difficult to see. The other connects to the external pull and is slightly easier to see. Both are held in place by swing-and-clip retainers. (Note: yellow plastic for the left/drivers side, blue for the right side, natural off-white for symmetrical parts.)

If the problem is that the linkage came off at the door latch end, you might be in for a bit of work. It's possible to reattach by just moving the plastic cover aside, but if this is your first time you are better off removing the whole latch, reconnecting the pushrod to the latch, and reinstalling.

The latch assembly is held in place by the three #3 Philips screws that are obvious on the door edge. You have to remove the window guide and pushrod protector (three 10mm head screws/nuts), and disconnect the interior pull pushrods to wiggle it out.

johnflaherty · 01-22-2009, 06:52 PM

Thanks for the reply. I can find the 3 phillips screws easily, however I am not sure with the window guide and the rods, Yes, this is my first time, Any photos would be appreciated. I really do not want to screw up anything else.

djb2 · 01-23-2009, 10:52 AM

The window guide is held by two 10mm head nuts. You won't be able to remove it, but it will swing aside after removing both nuts.
There is a yellow plastic guard to making using a slim-jim more challenging. It's held by a 10mm nut, but that nut is under the window motor bracket. You can loosen two of the end screws/nuts that hold the bracket to reach the nut -- you don't have to take off the bracket.

This is a fiddly PITA. It feels as if there should be an easy way, but I haven't found one.

johnflaherty · 01-27-2009, 03:34 PM

now I really screwed up. I tried to get the latch out and broke a new swing-and-clip retainer. I never got the latch out far enough to get to where the original clip broke from the rod to the key lock. Does anyone know where I can get some of the swing-and-clip retainers? Also will I have to remove the door handle to get the latch assembly out?
The original rod connector came off at the door side assembly
and I can not get it out far enough to look at it.
Thanks in advance

donbryce · 01-27-2009, 05:59 PM

I'd suggest a trip to the local pick-and-pull/junkyard/salvage or whatever they're called in your area, to pick up needed parts, and to practise on the latch mechanism too. Much better to work on their parts than further mess up your pride and joy.

johnflaherty · 01-31-2009, 08:06 AM

What I am looking for is the swing-and-clip retainers. I do not think that I can get them from another car. I think they would break. I also still need help with re-attaching the push and pull rod from the door key lock to the latch. It broke at the latch and I can not get the latch out far enough to look at it

Thanks

bladerunr · 03-21-2009, 03:06 PM

I am having the same problem on a 98 camry. No access to linkages from inside and can't wiggle out
the handle (after removing the 2 screws used to hold it in place). I have a broken handle linkage but it seems the lock linkage is preventing me from removing the handle or sliding it out enough to access the clip. Does anyone have a close up photo of the linkage and how it can be removed ?

beninchesapeake · 05-26-2009, 05:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by djb2

The window guide is held by two 10mm head nuts. You won't be able to remove it, but it will swing aside after removing both nuts.
There is a yellow plastic guard to making using a slim-jim more challenging. It's held by a 10mm nut, but that nut is under the window motor bracket. You can loosen two of the end screws/nuts that hold the bracket to reach the nut -- you don't have to take off the bracket.

This is a fiddly PITA. It feels as if there should be an easy way, but I haven't found one.

Just wanted to thank you, djb2. This information was very helpful, both at the pick and pull and with my re-assembly. Replacing the lock is a real PITA, but I found if I unbolted the door handle and shoved the lock up a bit, I could attach the clips through the door handle hole and then push the whole assembly back down. Thanks for your help, you really know your Camrys!