How do you remove and install the exterior driver side door handle on a 2002 accent?

Answer 1

First you have to remove the interior door panel. To do this, remove all the visible screws from the panel. The grab bar on the panel has 2 circular plugs that can be popped out using a small flathead screwdriver (careful not to damage the edges when prying). Pop the plugs out and then remove the 2 screws located there. Now remove the screw inside the back section of the interior door handle. The side mirror adjustment knob has a cover around it that needs to be removed by popping it out of position with a flathead screw driver (don't be rough). Now the final piece is the window crank which has a funny kind of u-shape, springy clip holding it on. The shaft that the window crank slides onto has a groove in it which clip snaps into that holds the crank in place. I used a small pair of needle nose pliers to grip it and it flung off and I almost lost it (be careful and patient). The clip is between the door crank and round plastic washer looking thing. Now that the clip is off and the window crank is removed you have to lift the interior panel up and forward. The interior door handle has 3- square plastic barbed type legs that should disengage from the 3- square holes in the door framing when the panel is moved forward. Once it is disengaged, carefully rotate the interior door panel clockwise (hinged side down and jam side up) to allow the interior door handle (which should be loose) to pass through the hole it sits in. The interior door handle stays to the linkage on the door frame. With the panel removed, carefully pull back the plastic from the top left (jam side) of the door frame. Using a socket set (I believe 10mm) remove the 2- bolts (one on each side of the door handle) from inside the door frame and gently push the door handle outward. The key lock tumbler will stay connected to the door frame linkage. With a pair of needle nose pliers I placed one side on the plastic and the other agaist the metal of the linkage on the removed door handle and voila, it's out!