How do you replace a Toyota sequoia front interior door handle?

Answer 1

This answer includes info posted at:

http://www.tundrasolutions.com/forums/1gen-sequoia/121854-repair-broken-door-handle-sequoia-2003-a/#post1102387

Also see:

How_do_you_open_the_driver_side_door_panel_for_a_2003_Toyota_Sequoia

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First - get the replacement part on hand.

Note that on several of the parts-house websites, they show an exploded line-drawing diagram of the door with the various parts. It is difficult to figure out which of these parts was supposed to be the door handle. This is because its not just a handle but rather a rectangular frame with the lock and handle lever installed within it - so the simple line drawing makes it hard to recognize.

The part can also be obtained from a local Toyota dealership. For example, I recently (July 2008) bought a replacement Driver's Side front door handle from my local dealer - Price $27.30 + tax. The Toyota Part number is: 69206-0C030-E0 (tan color - may be a slightly different number for the grey interior). It is referred to as the "Handle Sub-Assy, front door". A separate part - called the bezel - is also available, but it is not necessary to replace this when replacing the door handle assembly (i.e., the exitsing bezel can be reused).

The following instructions were originally posted by: bboop4fun (1-13-2008) under the webforum title "Repair Broken Door Handle Sequoia 2003"

"...Open the door and remove the three side pins along the door jam, take off the three small cosmetic covers and unscrew them (they are the front corner just under the window speaker, the other one is inside the door handle cup and then just below the door pull/arm rest). When you get these off you can take a flat head screw driver and put it in between the door lock and the frame of the door handle, give it a little pop up and then do the same to the bottom...now you will be albe to slide this door handle frame back (to the right) and it comes right off. Now start at the bottom of the door panel and find the two slots and put a flat head screwdriver in and pop the panel off by moving around the edge of the door panel as you go around. There will be about 5 to 6 red push clips holding this portion of the door on. Once the door is off you will have to disconnect the door light wire harness from the bottom of the inside panel and then the auto window/door lock wire harness from the center of the door panel. You are ready to remove the handle and replace it with the new one...very easy to do...slide the whole door handle to the right and it comes right off, turn the piece over and then remove both of the wires from the slots, put the new wires in the same place on the new handle and put it back up to the door and slide it back to the left. Now make sure that all of the red push clips are removed from the door itself. It is much easier to have them attached to the door panel. Once that is done you just need to attach the top of the door panel at the window first, this is a little tricky since you have to clear the speaker at the front of the window, one this is done it is just a matter of giving a little push around the edge of the door panel to snap the red push clips in place. Put back all of the screws and cosmetic caps. When you put the frame back around the door handle you have to first make sure that you get the front part cliped in first. The easiest way was to hold the handle open slighly and put the frame on then in the middle of the frame cup push in and forward (left) to make sure this catches on the clip. Then the right side will just clip on to the top and bottom of the new lock and handle. If you have a gap at the top of the handle door frame, just slide the flat head back between the new lock and frame and give it a push up and then do the same for the bottom. Once the frame is free you can try to slide the front clip on first and then push the back in. I had a harder time getting the passengers side on without a gap, but did not have the same problem with the drivers side. I think it was because we may have pushed the door panel in a bit when trying to figure out how to get the whole panel off. Once you know that there are only three screws and a bunch of push clips are holding the whole panel in place so it isn't that hard to do."

THANKS SO MUCH FOR THE INFORMATION! I just completed the repair of my broken drivers side door handle on my wifes 02 Sequoia. I believe the only minor correction to your plans would be that when you were referring to sliding directionally to the 'to the right' you were working on your passenger side doors. Whereas if it's the driver's side door handles, the correct direction would be 'to the left' to get the door handle clips out of the door frame. Otherwise, it took me all of 15 minutes. Also got couple of fuses changed out to get her side mirrors/clock/cig lighter (iPod) working again. Oh yeah, i was only able to locate 2 push pins on the driver's door not 3.