1992 Corolla rear pasenger door

Christmas eve I went to grab the outside door handle and it seems like
right side of the door handle hinge came off or out and the entire
handle seem to disengage from the locking mechanism. I can lock the
door from inside and open the door from inside but the outer handle
will not open the unlocked door. Like I said, it feels like the
handle almost comes off the door (at least the right side as you face
the rear passenger door). I've got a Haynes book that gives a so so
sketch of the door mechanism. So far I haven't got to look at the
outside of the door closely but will tomorrow.

I know my questions are kinda vague without looking at the handle but
I'm hoping someone has had this experience and might guess as to what
is wrong and whether its just an adjustment or a part is needed? Is
it just a replacement of the outside door handle? If the outside door
handle only needs replacing, does the inside trim need to be removed
still? I'm also trying to decide whether to do this myself or have my
mechanic do it. I'm average in skill level but getting too lazy for
the knuckle buster jobs now. I replaced an inside door handle on this
door about 2 years ago myself (didn't consider that a hard job at
all).

thanks all and happy holidays....

On Mon, 25 Dec 2006 22:31:46 -0600, RnR wrote:
[color=blue]
>Christmas eve I went to grab the outside door handle and it seems like
>right side of the door handle hinge came off or out and the entire
>handle seem to disengage from the locking mechanism. I can lock the
>door from inside and open the door from inside but the outer handle
>will not open the unlocked door. Like I said, it feels like the
>handle almost comes off the door (at least the right side as you face
>the rear passenger door). I've got a Haynes book that gives a so so
>sketch of the door mechanism. So far I haven't got to look at the
>outside of the door closely but will tomorrow.
>
>I know my questions are kinda vague without looking at the handle but
>I'm hoping someone has had this experience and might guess as to what
>is wrong and whether its just an adjustment or a part is needed? Is
>it just a replacement of the outside door handle? If the outside door
>handle only needs replacing, does the inside trim need to be removed
>still? I'm also trying to decide whether to do this myself or have my
>mechanic do it. I'm average in skill level but getting too lazy for
>the knuckle buster jobs now. I replaced an inside door handle on this
>door about 2 years ago myself (didn't consider that a hard job at
>all).
>
>thanks all and happy holidays....[/color]


Just one more question to add to this... any idea what it might cost
to have done by a repair shop? thanks.

On Mon, 25 Dec 2006 22:31:46 -0600, RnR wrote:
[color=blue]
> Christmas eve I went to grab the outside door handle and it seems like
> right side of the door handle hinge came off or out and the entire handle
> seem to disengage from the locking mechanism. I can lock the door from
> inside and open the door from inside but the outer handle will not open
> the unlocked door. Like I said, it feels like the handle almost comes off
> the door (at least the right side as you face the rear passenger door).
> I've got a Haynes book that gives a so so sketch of the door mechanism.
> So far I haven't got to look at the outside of the door closely but will
> tomorrow.[/color]


It sounds like one of two things happened: the rod slipped out of the
clip, or, the clip broke. The rod slipping out is somewhat uncommon. Or,
another possibility, the nut holding the handle is free of the handle, and
the rod slipped off. Any way, you're going to have to remove the door
panel and have a look!

Do this: look around the arm rest for any little plastic plugs covering
screws. With a small screwdriver, remove the plugs, and then remove the
screws. There should be another screw behind the door handle (inside),
lift the handle and take a look. This should be all the screws, look
around, esp from the bottom looking up to the door handle to make sure!

Grasp the bottom of the door panel and GENTLY pull. If any of the clips
break, you can purchase some at a hardware store. When the clips are free,
lift up to clear the door lock, and if you have power windos/locks,
disconnect the wiring. (I overlooked this...you DO have power, right?
Otherwise Step 1 is to remove the window handle using a small screwdriver
to grab the clip...)

There should be an opening in the door to look in at the handle. There are
two 10mm bolts holding the handle in and a light blue, green or pink clip
holding the rod to the handle. If this is not the case, 'report' back with
what you DO see!

Unfortunately, you do say what model or year. If you need parts, you
should be able to find them at the wrecker's or [url]http://www.car-part.com[/url]


Good luck! Once you're in there, things should be easy to figure out!