How to Remove Install Exterior Door Handle 97-01 Toyota Camry 

√ *Watch the Video* √ *Buy The Part at 1A Auto* 1aau.to/m/Visit-1AAuto √ *Do it Yourself* √ *Save Money*

What an absolute nightmare! I just finished this job while repeatedly referencing the video. Thank goodness for you and this video. And frankly, all of your videos. I use the 1A Auto channel for repairs A LOT. Keep up the good work, guys! No criticism intended whatsoever, but from what I experienced, it's way easier to install the lock rod and snap it into place BEFORE you install the new handle into the door. I fought and fought with it with the handle in the door. I finally took it back out, put the lock rod in and snapped it down, then pushed the handle into the door and screwed it into the door. Just my opinion, but it may save some cursing and frustration for someone else.

Guys, thank you so much. I've been driving around in my 99 Camry with no exterior OR interior driver's door handles. This guide seriously saved me probably 100$ in service at a shop. Just a few things from my go at it: 1. For the latch rod to release, just wedge the biggest flathead screwdriver you can between the flippable plastic safety latch and the rod itself and twist. He shows you how to do it, but doesn't describe it in a lot of detail. I was using a smaller flathead at first and it wasn't working at all. If it's still giving you trouble with a large flathead, try prying on the plastic retainer to bend it a little (it is part of the door handle you are replacing, not the door itself, as mentioned in the guide) and THEN try the flathead-twist. Should come loose after a little effort. 2. As I've seen others here say, there is no need to remove the entire weather lining, just peel it back a bit. 3A. You can remove/replace the lock rod on the outside of the door to make it a bit easier, BUT: 3B. If you follow the guide and remove and replace it inside of the door - the lock rod is shaped like an upside-down L, with the little hook (stuck into the lock mechanism) facing towards the interior of the car. Lift up on the plastic latch clipped to the rod and push the rod towards the exterior side of the car. To replace it, grab the rod with your fingers and bring it up and towards you into the lock. This guide is great and comprehensive, and maybe these tips would be more obvious if I had more experience working on cars, but alas. I gotta say thanks a bunch for the help, and you have me as a customer for any future car parts. -Frank

Just bought the handle for my mom's '98. This video is exactly what non-mechanics like myself need. Thank you! :D

Found this video after ordering new door handles for my 97 Camry. Thank you so much! I'm always stoked when I can fix something myself

This is very useful. As others said, just remove the plastic enough to gain access. On a 99 removing the handle control rod was VERY difficult. The lock control rod which was easy to remove was impossible to reinstall since I have large hands so I had to install it before installing the handle. These two complications added several hours to what could have been an easy job. I ended up installing the handle 3 times to sort this out. Not a job for the feignt of heart. BTW I've removed plenty of handles and this was one of the worst. Give yourself plenty of time.

Everyone here is mistaken, the safety latch is absolutely hell in a hand basket. It is the single worst part of this entire job.

Wonderfully detailed walkthrough. Thanks! By the way, I got the lock rod off from the outside after pulling the handle out as far as it could safely go. I also put the lock rod on the new handle from the outside.

Great video! I fixed a 2001 Toyota Camry door handle. It took a little over an hour.

A detailed view of HOW you put the lock arms and clips back on the handle from the inside would be helpful. We've been struggling with that part for days.

This video answered all my questions about replacing the driver's exterior door handle on my '00 Avalon.

Just discovered this very very helpful instructional video. I'm years late but I have a 1999 Toyota Camry with the exact issues and I have viewed and will continue to view the vids. When I order the parts then I'm going to come back to your videos.

You just saved me 200. I was able to get the lock for only $15, However, the garage wanted 200 for the 2 hours of work.

I swear, y'all keep me rolling some days.

Next time I need parts for my 2001 Camry, you are the go-to guys!!! Could have saved myself much grief watching both videos 1st. Had a broken door handle for 2-3 years that I "jury-rigged" until a valet attendant finally broke it for good. Wife sideswiped the mirror on the same side. Got both parts somewhere else. Mirror had wrong connector. Luckily I have some electronic skills and could figure out how to splice it. Handle was threaded for different screws. Local hardware had nice stainless replacements for those. Unfortunately I only watched the mirror replacement video and then tried to figure things out for the handle! :-( Now that I know the sequence it should go back together quickly. Thanks. Robert from GR, Mich.

Thank you thank you, I replaced the front driver side exterior and interior door handles and bezel of my 2001 Camry all thanks to you. And in the future, I will order my parts from you. Again thanks. Rebecca

Great video; however be prepared for the 01 Camry possibly having access holes that are 3/4" offset from bolt heads, requiring socket joint extenders to get to the left had side bolts if you happen to have huge hands and can't reach in. What looks like whistling in the park in this video was a two-afternoon ordeal for me. But it bears repeating, very helpful video.

There is no need to remove the entire weather plastic lining, also no need to pop and unplug the automatic window control and lock buttons. Other than that the video was great

Thank so much for the how to video! I broke my driver's side door handle on 99 camry so this step by step walkthrough definitely helps for replacement

I’ll be following this to replace my broken door handle on my 2000 Camry. Thank you!

it a 6mm by 12mm length bolt for the after market handles

Is there an easier way to get the lock rod off? I’m getting so frustrated

Awesome instruction and very detailed. Makes it easier to follow and execute. Thanks.

Excellent, patient video on this door repair. Thanks.

A lot harder than it looks, I purchased handle from you as you made it look so easy. Outside door handle now works but lock does not, I have to unlock it from driver side now. When I was fighting with the window switch plug the whole switch fell apart, it was obviously never designed to be removed. Window no longer rolls down. I did not mind opening door for her reaching from inside but my wife is happy she can get in car now without waiting for me, I do not mind unlocking it from my side for her. I hate all the cheap plastic clips that never fit firm again and the jerry rigged switches cars have now.

That Handle has been replace before. As the Factory handle don't have them meatal treads in it and can not use the original bolts in the after market replacement ones .... Just thought i share that ifo

Nice work very clean & detailed instructions

Getting the latch rod out when you don't have a broken retaining clip, as in this video, can be a bear. That plastic clip stops the latch rod from sliding out easily as it did in this video. It laughed at my screwdriver trying to just pop it off. I had to destroy the clip before that rod could slide out. On the plus side, when you order a new handle mechanism it generally comes with a new retaining clip.

Thank you so much A1 Auto. I have a Chilton and the factory Toyota shop manual, but neither has enough detail to do the job.

Why is it these how to videos always show you the passenger side door, I’d like to see the driver side door redone.

Nice detail and pace, though the zoom/close-up through-the-door views of the latch and lock rods were a little confusing (approx 4:00-5:30). FWIW, the outside handle of my 2001 Camry snapped off, probably due to age, but, it didn't help that snowstorm Stella froze everything! I'm using a flat head screwdriver to lever the handle up until I get the replacement part. I replaced the interior handle about a year ago, when the spring broke. I had a similar problem with previous cars, so, no big deal, there; just wish I knew the exterior handle was going, so I wouldn't have to repeat most of the steps!

thats the most ive seen for a handle . Thank you for the video , my friend broke my handle ,lord.

Thank you very much for the video. I have a 2001 Corolla that has a broken handle that I'm doing tomorrow. Everything seems straight forward. Thanks!!!

Very clear and excellent job! Thank you so much!

I locked my keys in the car. Had to go get 2 metric bolts. finished and works fine. thanks for the help!!!

Thank you for the video! Just replaced the outside door handle on my 2000 Camry following your video. Worked great!

Well done, thanks for doing this! Helped a dummy like myself do this.

Thank you for this video, i was able to repair and service my car door lock. 👍👍👍💕

Awesome tutorial!! Thanks!! A side question😄. How come you don't have beard in 4:06 and you have a beard in 10:12?

Thanks for the easy to follow instructions to an easy job.

Soooo...if one decided not to do all this, do I gather that $200 is the best quote so far? Thanks.

Far out!! I can attempt changing my 1997 truck handle. You guys rock!

Hardest part is connecting lock rod to lever and snap the clip. No access. So I took handle back out, tied a string to the lock rod at the bend so I could position it from outside the door, began inserting handle but look at the lock lever with it's clip, pull the rod into position and push rod into lever clip and hole, then clip it. My lock lever end was at the wrong angle to fit in the hole, so I removed handle again and bent tip of lock rod the right direction. Went in perfectly.

I guess a long screwdriver is the only way to move the latch rod cuz I tried for an hour using everything at my disposal and it just would not come off

Buena video y no se olvido de ningun detalle. Me sirvio para reemplazar la manilla de mi Camry 99. Gracias por tan buen tutorial.

This was very helpful! Easy to follow and walk along with!

Thank you for a very helpful video on this task. Your video made it much easier for me to accomplish this job.

Thank you soooo much, dear Michael. Merry Christmas!

Took me all day but I got it.

Great video thanks A1 auto for your great videos

removing a non-broken latch rod should be covered. that was very difficult to perform without your expertise. thanks for this overall.

This is a really good video, however they should show the driver's door because that's the door that will most likely have the broken door handle. Just a thought, this video is being done by a professional mechanic and the latch rod and lock rod have been taken out prior to the video being making it look easier than it really is. I struggled for a Very long time trying to get the rod out with a lot of cussing and fussing. The other problem is that the screws from the original door handle will most likely not fit into the replacement door handle. And like mentioned by others, put the lock rod back into the handle and then wedge it back into the handle hole. You'll save yourself a lot of frustration. My suggestion is that you order the handle, and get the right color, which will not match exactly since the car paint will have faded a bit. You should be able to get it for about $13 and some change with free shipping. Then have your mechanic or body shop install it for you. It is worth the time and money and it will work properly when it's all finished. If you do attempt this, label EVERY screw and part you remove and don't let anyone interrupt until you're finished or you'll have screws in the wrong place, or missing parts, etc. This won't be a 12 minute job for the average person, but several hours. Getting the rods out and back in took the most time.

Fits the same as the original the only problem was the new handle has metal inserts. Had to go to the hardware store to get 2 bolts that fit.

Great video. Awesome camera work. Thanks for this post.

Your video was really helpful. Thank you 👍

One thing that I ran into was that the Doorman replacement needed different bolts than the Toyota OEM part. I had to get 3 M6 x 10mm bolts to fit the replacement handle.

Excellent video Thank you

You are the best my friend

Can you post a video on how to replace door latch and lock actuator on this same generation camry. I have a 2001 camry and am having a difficult time removing the old actuator, the window guides seem to be in the way.

My thing is he jumped from moving the yellow tab to a spot with no explanation. Like I simply can’t find that

thanks for great and detail workshop

It was very easy to strip the plastic threads in the holes of the handle assemble that receive the two self-tapping hex-screws. Thought I was "screwed" when the bolt through the lock spun free. sSlid the end of a zip-tie into the hole and the screw seemed to bite well enough...we'll see!

Just my luck was clumsy and drop bolts in the door well i couldn't finish the job i appreciate the video though.

Given the panel is slightly different on a 1997 Lexus ES300... is the internals relatively the same configuration?

Thank you so much for this video

I just did this repair but the right 10mm bolt kept bottoming out and just COULD NOT get it tight. The other bolt was no problem. I admit, I'm pretty sure my part was NOT from the manufacturer or even you guys. I was more interested in saving $$$ and doing a satisfactory job. The car's just too old w/too many miles on it. Otherwise, GREAT INSTRUCTIONAL VIDEO!

My lock latch on the driver side is jammed tight. I have a 99 Camry

if only the handles warent made from cheap plastic both of my front handles broke just from normal use meanwhile the car iv had for way longer doesn't even show signs of breaking

Thanks for the video, my 1999 camry actuator was bad because of which it was not locking/unlocking, I changed it, but after changing the actuator the lock became little stiff because of which its not locking but it is responding which it was not earlier, what could be the issue? Is it the lock rods or the actuator was not placed properly? Thanks

very helpful video. thanks for posting!

I found it easier to leave the lock cylinder in. Easier to take out the one bolt then the plastic clip. you don’t have to take off the inner handle or that metal plate

A neighbor lost the keys to his Camry and a locksmith wanted $700 to replace them. Thanks to your videos, a disabled veteran is about to save over $600. Fine work, gentlemen!

You guys are a lifesaver. Thank you

I tried. I worked 4.5 hours and never got the first handle off. I was so close, but just couldn't find the safety latch on the lock rod. I dropped one of the bolts and never found it. It's still somewhere inside the door. Finally, I gave up and decided to just put everything back together. I had to find a screw to replace the one I lost. Thank God I found one. This is a good video, but I wish someone would tell me where to look or feel for safety latch on the lock rod. Also, where is the lock rod? LOL.

6:27 do you have any idea where I can find the tumbler parts like the pins and springs?

great video

What size bolts do I need to buy?

Do you guys have the correct part numbers for the plastic clips that attach the door rods to the handle?

Why did you remove the inside door handle? and the plate on the bottom of the door? It seems that once you have the door panel off you have easy access to the holes and opening to get to the outside door handle. Is there a reason for that? Because I will be replacing my door handle on a 01 Avalon and wanted to know if that was nessasary. please respond. Thank you..

Best videos and parts

Thank you very much...👍

does the window have to be down up until the door panel comes off? Can I do this with the window up the whole time to save a step?

4.52 move too fast. How could you reach there? I am lost from this.

I have a 1931 Ford coupe with the original working door handle…2001 Toyota Camry door handle crapped the bed!

How long did that take you to complete just out of curiosity?

about to do this just to get the lock code. Was thinking if there is an easier way, and my $20 usb endoscope might be able to get inside the door and close to the lock to see the code...

I think I’ll just use my zip tie … lol

great job

I have a 99 Avalon... will these directions work?

My Camry have speakers in the top black cover behind the mirror do you pop it out the same with the flat blade?

What's the function of the metallic cylinder on the other side of the door handle¿

Would this be the same for a 2004 Avalon?

would be ok if the transitions weren’t there. people who don’t work on cars don’t know where you’re transitioning to

Wow, that seems like a lot of work just to replace the door handle. I think I’ll stick with my screw method for now.

So how much do you charge for labor to do this?

Is it possible to just buy the plastic latch rod retaining clip?

Wasn't the clip on the handle still broke?

This video is deceiving. It makes it look like it is so easy to remove the handle. It is not. It is obviously staged. The lock rods are very difficult to remove and put back in.

iam having trouble with the latch rod can't seem to find it 😕 any ideas?

Now I know that I would pay any dollar amount NOT to have to do this myself! It would literally be easier to swap on a different door with a good handle.