However, I've not managed to find a detailed thread on changing the door handle with pictures and having read a few threads and still got confused, thought I would document this mornings efforts (I guess much of this would also apply to door lock removal).
This has all been driven by fact I am due an MOT in about 7 weeks and only just found out that a broken door handle is an MOT failure. Ive had the handle for at least 6 months, tried once and just couldn't figure it out even after following the words on here soo just got used to it.
Firstly take the door trim off. Well documented on here so won't bore with that.
Pull back the plastic protection. Take some care as you will want this intact (I wasn't responsible for the state of this one).
Drill out the rivets holding the metal shield in place. I don't have pictures as I did this earlier in the year in my first attempt, but fairly obvious as I think they are the only rivets near lock mechanism.
Undo right hand side lower window runner torx bolt and remove plastic block
Next slide window runner out by pulling gentle in a downward motion (sorry no picture). I was a bit worried about this but it really was that simple.
Undo 3 lock mechanism retaining screws remove plate and place somewhere safe, ideally not black tarmac as the screws are hard to find later Ooops.
Wiggle lock mechanism out. I didnt disconnect the connecting bar as found it wasnt necessary and it easily moved oout of the way.
Now you can see the two torx screws you want to get to:
Undo and remove the handle from van.
Fit new handle and tighten torx screws.
I now had some fun as for about 15 minutes I was convinced that the black protruding bit of the handle fitted between the metal mechanism and so could not figure out how to keep apart and get the protruding item in there. Zippy ties, string, fingers and some swearing then THEN the penny dropped. IT DOESN'T FIT BETWEEN THEM!
It sits to the left and pushes/pulls BOTH of the metal pieces when the handle is pulled open. In this picture "left" would be behind the rear piece of metal that the zippy tie is sandwiched between as you view the picture
Screw the lock mechanism back into place as per removal once you find the three screws.
Replace window runner. It just slots onto the remaining runner really simply (sorry forgot photo).
CHECK it all works.
Then replace door panel.No more having to get in from passenger side and shimmy across the seat into drivers side.
One word of warning. Buy a quality handle! I bought mine on ebay and well lets say that it is quite flexible when pulled. It does open the door but only just as it really flexes when you pull it. Nothing as solid as the original passenger side one. If anyone has a good quality one please PM me as this one wont last!
Thanks
Sam
