How do you replace the left front exterior door handle on a 1997 Toyota Camry LE?

Answer 1

Interior door handle replacement.

You will need to remove the entire interior door panel. Fortunately, this is pretty straightforward. You will need a #2 Phillips screwdriver. A flat-blade screwdriver will also be handy.

First, remove the Phillips screw in the middle of the bad door handle. Set it aside. The door handle will not come out. It should, however slide forward about 1/4 of an inch. This is, in part, holding in the door panel. It is tempting to try and remove the handle and replace just this part. However, you won't be able to reinstall the new handle through this hole. Keep going.

The arm rest is a separate piece the that can be pried up from the door handle. Carefully, using a straight blade screwdriver, pry the edge of the arm rest up until it comes loose. There are about six friction fasteners holding it in.

Once the armrest is out, you will find two Phillips screws holding the upper door panel in place. Remove them completely.

Starting at the bottom of the door slip the flat blade of a screw driver between the plastic trim and the metal door. Careful not to mar the paint. The door is held in place by a number of plastic snaps. Carefully pry the panel evenly around it's bottom perimeter until you feel the snaps come out.

The door panel should now be held in only by the top lip that is hooked over the door lock nub and the window frame. Lift the entire door panel up. It should, with a little gentle coaxing, come off. The only remaining connections should be the wires to the window operating switches. There is a connector that can be released if you need to remove this part.

Answer 2

The question you ask is too involved for a proper answer. You may want to go to a car parts store, and get a repair manual for your car. They cost about $16.00 Or, go to a Public Library.