3rd & 4th Generation (1992–1996 & 1997–2001)Toyota Camry Discussion for years: 1992-1996 & 1997-2001
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I'm trying to repair a broken outside door handle on my 2001 Camry and ran into some problems. I noticed that several people on this forum had successfully completed this same repair job, so I'm hoping to get some advice here.
Recently, the outside door handle partially broke off when I opened the driver door of my 2001 Camry. The dealer wanted $289 to fix it, which seemed a little high to me. I did some research on the internet and found that quite a few others also had this problem, and they were able to do the repair in about an hour. I found a replacement handle assembly in the right color on Amazon for about $30. So armed with some instructions from the internet and my Chilton repair manual, I decided to give it a try myself.
I didn't have any problems removing the door trim panel. It was a little cramped, but I was also able to remove the 3 bolts that held the handle assembly to the door. Now the instructions call for pulling the handle assembly off the door, but I was NOT able to do this. The front part of the handle assembly was loose, but there seem to be something still connecting it to the door right around the lock cylinder. I can't really see in that area (no access holes), so I can't figure what's it is. There are 2 rods that are attached to the handle assembly (one for the door latch and one for the lock), and I can't figure out how to detach them. But from the instructions on the internet, it seemed like you can remove the handle assembly first, then detach the rods.
I would really appreciate any help in this matter. I'd hate to take my car to the dealer for repair now, especially after I've come so close to being able to do it myself.
The rods usually have a clasp or clip that you have to remove before pulling the rod. Its attached to the door handle itself. Use a screwdriver to pop it off the pull the rod out of the handle.
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1996 Paseo 5E-FE 269,xxx miles - Gotta fix that sagging DS door. New hinges on the way.
1993 Camry LE 5S-FE 249,xxx miles - New water pump, TB etc etc
1989 Camry-Gone but not forgotten. Car has become a birthday gift for my cousin.
1997 Mazda B2300 213,xxx miles - New flasher relay installed.
Thanks for the replies. I was trying to release one of the rods, when the door handle assembly got jarred loose. It turns out there was nothing else holding it in, but it just needed some forceful shaking to come loose. I was able to get the rest of the repair done. Though it took a lot longer than most other people.
Hey I'm about to do this repair on my 2001 Camry and was wondering if you could direct me to the instructions you found on the web?
thanks, chet
Quote:
Originally Posted by Sumfun
Thanks for the replies. I was trying to release one of the rods, when the door handle assembly got jarred loose. It turns out there was nothing else holding it in, but it just needed some forceful shaking to come loose. I was able to get the rest of the repair done. Though it took a lot longer than most other people.
SumFun, can you post a link to the instructions you found? I also cannot figure out how to get the handle off. I can get the door hand lock rod off, but I cannot get the lock cylinder rod off. My Haynes manual is not helpful with this procedure.
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1999 Camry LE (2.2L I4), auto, Antique Sage Pearl with Sage cloth interior, 160K+ Miles, Michelin Radial X Tires, Alpine CDE-103BT headunit, Otherwise 100% stock. Owned since August 2002
1999 Camry LE (2.2L I4), auto, Black with Oak cloth interior, 168K+ Miles, 100% stock. Sold June 2010
that is really what pisses me totally off with these new cars.. I grew up with the 1950's and 60's cars.. the door handles could be used to pull locomotives..
then they designed these car parts to be absolute pices of shiiiite!
btw, I have replaced a door handle on my Corolla...
if you have a hand larger than a childs hand, you will have a miserable time...
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1989 Toyota Corolla SR5, Carb.
1993 Camry LE
that is really what pisses me totally off with these new cars.. I grew up with the 1950's and 60's cars.. the door handles could be used to pull locomotives..
then they designed these car parts to be absolute pices of shiiiite!
btw, I have replaced a door handle on my Corolla...
if you have a hand larger than a childs hand, you will have a miserable time...
Yeah well everything is made in China today, what do you expect
Most auto parts stores can order a replacement Dorman handle for about $30-35.
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1999 Camry LE (2.2L I4), auto, Antique Sage Pearl with Sage cloth interior, 160K+ Miles, Michelin Radial X Tires, Alpine CDE-103BT headunit, Otherwise 100% stock. Owned since August 2002
1999 Camry LE (2.2L I4), auto, Black with Oak cloth interior, 168K+ Miles, 100% stock. Sold June 2010
Last edited by Kaline; 05-08-2010 at 10:21 PM.
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