How do you replace the inside driver's door handle on a 1999 Toyota Sienna?

Answer 1

First, check to see of there is a cap on the handle under which there is a bolt that holds the handle to the shaft inside the door. If there is a cap, pop it off and see if there is a bolt to loosen underneath. It is probably a hex head or Allen head. IF NOT, then go to your local store or aut parts dealer and get the special tool that slides behind the handle to release the retainer clip. The tool should be less than $6.00. The new handle will probably have new clips, but keep the old ones just in case.

Additional:I took off my entire door panel using only a Phillips screwdriver. Here are the steps I took to replace the latch on the drivers side door of my 1999 Sienna (USA model).Step 1. Remove the Phillips screw holding the door latch flange in place.Step 2. Slide the flange back away from the hinges. I used my thumbs and pushed in a direction parallel to the window and away from the hinges. There is a small L-shaped piece that holds it snugly without the necessity of another exposed screw.Step 3. Locate and remove the plastic cap between the door hinge and the handle area, about 6 inches below the top of the panel itself. Remove the Phillips screw.Step 4. Remove the armrest by using your fingers to reach into the recessed area of the armrest used to normally close the door and use a firm pressure lift up and toward your body. If you hear foam tearing, your fingers are not low enough toward the base. There are two spring clips on the left and right side of the recessed area that hold the armrest on.Step 5. With the armrest removed, locate and remove the two Phillips screws.Step 6. Starting at the bottom of the panel and using your fingers, pry away the panel from the door frame. You will see the pressure clips that hold the panel in place. Work around the edge, bottom to top and then lift a bit to get the panel over the top edge of the frame. You can remove the two electric connectors by pinching the retaining clip then pulling out. The panel can be removed completely from the door at this point.Step 7. Remove the screw holding the broken lever assembly in place. Take time to look at the placement of the rods and how they are connected. Remove the rods and place into the new assembly.Reverse the steps to reassemble. I did test my efforts by using the electric lock and opening and closing the door before completely reassembling the panel -- just to make sure nothing was in a bind.