Damn those kids next door, they’ve attempted to booby-trap you again and messed up your Corolla’s door handle. Lucky you live in this century and the internet provides you information on how to change the broken part yourself.
So, besides the correct replacement door handle compatible with your 1998-2002 Toyota Corolla, you will need a Phillips screwdriver, a flat screwdriver, 10mm socket with ratchet plus extender and a flashlight may come in handy.
Replacing the exterior door handle implies that you detach the interior door paneling to access its mounting points, so here’s how:
Replacing the exterior door handle implies that you detach the interior door paneling to access its mounting points, so here’s how:
- Open the door and unscrew the bolt that keeps the inside handle attached to the panel
- Pull the interior handle out of its place and detach the wire attached to it with a screwdriver. Then take out the handle completely
- Using the flathead screwdriver, pry the switch panel on the door, disconnect its wires and take it out
- Do the same with the armrest tab
- Locate all the screws and clips that holds the paneling on the door and remove them
- Take out the door paneling and remove the water protective foil a bit to gain access
- Undo the door handle’s yellow clip and take out the metal rod it was holding. There is another clip with rod a bit lower so unmount that too
- Unscrew the 10mm bolts and take out the door handle
- Put the new one in and follow the same steps backwards to put everything back together.