Can you guys help me. I did this but during the process when I was clipping the rods to the new handle one of those came from from the bottom. I put it back to that whole but when I finished the door won’t open from the inside or the outside. I am pretty sure it was because I pulled that rod off. How can o fix that? should I try a different positions with the rod to see I if it works? As I said it came completely off during the process.
Dude I spent 3 hrs replacing my window motor and regulator because I had no idea you could put the window in after the panel was back on. Also I could not figure out how to get that 3rd screw out for the door handle to replace. You just saved me alot of time and money. Not the mention the headache it was causing lol. Thanks I love you guys!!!
Great video! I am a 60 yr old woman and watched ur video and changed out both sides on the front....but not nearly as fast as u did. Thank you for saving me some $$$$$$$$.
+Sheila Turner Thank you! We love empowering our customers and showing how to perform DIY auto repairs with our high-quality auto parts. 1aau.to/m/Shop-1AAuto-c
I can Not understand how this got any bad votes! I've been wrenching on cars for almost 40 years and would have spent days trying to figure out the right order to take it apart without wrecking something. Great job guys!
THANK YOU!!! Followed the step by step procedure and swapped out the broken handle for a new one in about two hours saving myself about $200.00 in labor costs. Thanks for posting this!!
+John R Thank you for the great reply! We love to empower our customers by showing you how-to perform your own auto repairs while installing our high quality auto parts. Have a great day! 1aauto.com
Thank you for this video. Just finished changing my driver's side door handle after watching this several times. For others reading these comments it would be good to provide some advice on getting the bottom of the door handle in place and dealing with the easily misplaced door actuator rod. Beyond that, great work and many thanks.
First off video is excellent and explain the the major points in simple straight forward way that anyone can follow. For that I THANK YOU very much A1 Auto For anyone else take this task on, hopefully my pains will help anyone else with this car line. I did this on an 02 Altima and everything started out smoothly. Taking everything apart was straight forward until I got to the rods and the bolts holding the door handle on. In the video, the rod held on by the pink clip is just sitting to top of the door latch and is not held in with a clip at the other end. This means if the gets pulled up too much you will need to take the door latch out to get the rod back in as you can't see where to put it the window rain guard in the way. The window rain guard is also in the way of getting the left bolt out of the door handle making it a little tricky to take out. In my case the bolt on the right of the door handle was rusted in place. I tried using a rust buster but luck. The door sheet metal that is used to bold the handle to the door was also very flimsy and was trying to twist on me when taking this bolt off. Being as careful as possible, I n awithout tearing the sheet metal in the door off. I proceeded in just torquing the head off the bolt. I'll have to tear back into the door in few days when the dealership opens up and I can get a new bolt. When putting everything back together, I hand to put the metal panel back in 4 times as the plastic clip on the bottom of the window that needs to sit in the window regulator kept falling off in the door. I hand to super 77 the plastic clip onto the window then the last time I put the panel on I lost the bolt in the door. Needless to say what should have taken 45 minutes at most took 4 hours because of the age of the car. And yes you have to take the window out because the metal panel in the door has the window regulator mounted to the inside. Hope this helps someone else
just bought a beautiful '02, previous owner glued the handle back on (lasted me 2 days haha) Thought I was reading my story, down to the 4 hours! Regulator window clip on the left came loose, but was able to snug it back to my satisfaction... left handle bolt behind the secret sticker, stupid rain guard is DEFINITELY in the way!! (kept knocking off my 10mm socket, took so many tries before it worked) Right bolt on the handle was seized in the pressed in metal nut in the plastic housing so mine just started spinning, had to bend the sheet metal back just like you!! I was able to grab the now released nut with some vice grips and release the bolt so I was able to reuse mine. Had to do some very careful bending of that flimsy sheet metal to get it lined up, but then it pulled in fine with the new handle in place. Have bandaids ready! lots of sharp things to reach around.... Worth it thought. never would have tried it without this video!
1A Auto is Awesome! you guys saved my parents over $1000 and made me the son look like a hero. Least I can do is buy the parts from you to keep the videos coming. I did two major projects in less than a half a day. Thank you thank you
Great video saved me some time for sure .did skip taking the window out tho had enough room for the play and just taped it into spot so it didn’t slide down with the regulator once I unbolted.
That is a wonderful idea! scared me so much lifting that window out and putting it back, I'm going to use that trick when the next cheap plastic handle breaks (1 down, 3 to go?)
Thanks, but after watching this video in full, I've come to the conclusion a broken door handle is far better than a broken window, and door that I wouldn't be able to put back!
Few things are as scary as carrying that piece of glass to somewhere safe, but it is possible, but definitely listen to your gut. This is a great step by step, just keep your parts in order and replacing is not so bad. Just did an '02 (now 20 years old) and there were some challenges but it worked!
+GalaXy808 It might be easier than you think. If you're worried about remembering what goes where, a good tip is to take pictures of the whole repair on your phone, then you'll have a great guide for how it should go back together. Hope that helps you out. Thanks for watching. 1aauto.com 866-403-3393
I totally love you guys videos of how to do it yourself. Super easy to follow and I changed both my driver and passenger front handles with ease. Ok, well not that much ease, since it was the first time, but super duper easy. You guys rock!!! Thanks for the video. :) XX
Outstanding step by step video. The window wouldn’t go down for me so I had to disassemble more of the door using your regulator video which is also excellent. I also had to unscrew the latch to relocate the forward rod. So two major snafus to work through but it was satisfying to get it done. This job isn’t for the faint of heart, a little patience and perseverance goes a long way. Thanks again for the great video, no way would I have attempted this without
I almost had the same problem after temporarily reconnecting the switch panel to run it down, it needs to be emphasized to also temporarily reconnect the harness to the regulator motor itself to power the windows. Video shows the motor connection but the comment almost sounds like only the switch panel itself that needed to be connected.
Great video. Thanks! I... should have watched it before I took ALL of the bolts off, including the window regulator, then had to disassemble the entire door and put it all back together. Good times.
Very helpful, the Altima service manual is the worse service manual I have ever owned. I have replaced 2 door handle in 1 week. The rear is very easy the drivers door is a pain but not too bad if you watch the video. The rods were a little bit of a problem but anyone with a little bit of mechanical aptitude can do it. These videos make the job so much easier.
Excellent tutorial. I now have less than zero confidence that I could do this on my own. I'm guessing the labor costs to have someone else do it for me would be horrendous, especially since 3 of my 4 exterior door handles are broken. I have purchased replacements, but now think I will just sell or donate my car. Thanks for dispelling my delusion.
Genius! Sell the parts and show instructional videos on how to install them. Great idea and I think it's going to work out very well for you! I made a dumb mistake on my replacement that doubled the time it took to do it, but happy that it's done and I saved a lot of money not paying someone else do it. Wow, those bars that clip to the handle are a son of a gun to get back on! So happy I left it for a day off, started early and now have it done. Thank you for your assistance and I hope my next needed repair will be on here too.
+WatchForFun AndToLearn You're welcome! We're glad to hear that we were able to help you save some cash and get the job done yourself. That's exactly why we make these videos. For anyone else who might be doing this job, we carry the parts shown in the video on our website. Order from us and we'll cover the shipping. Here's a link: www.1aauto.com/1A/exterior-door-handles/Nissan/Altima/1ADHE00413?RU-vid&CTA%20Comment&ATony
Thank you, your video was very insightful that I was able to change the drivers side latch on a 2004 Nissan Sentra. The sentra door has more open space so the window did not need to be removed, just raised. However, the rest was pretty spot on. Your video saved me plenty of money. Thanks again.
I just did this job in less than an hour; about 45 minutes. taking my time and using the right tools it was pretty painless. For anyone asking, YOU MUST TAKE THE WINDOW OUT, BUT IT'S EASY.
Sometimes having a plan and a general idea of what you're doing is the difference between a 20 minute job and a 4 hour ordeal. Glad we could help you out! Thank you for watching. 1aauto.com 866-403-3393
I watch you guys video ALL THE TIME!! You all are awesome. I haven't yet to experience this task but I'm sure it'll be much easier now that I've watched. Thanks for always helping me/us out.......
+C. Bryant Thanks for watching. If any of our viewers needs to make this repair, we carry the auto repair part shown in this video on our website. Here is a link to them www.1aauto.com/1A/exterior-door-handles/Nissan/Altima/1ADHE00413?RU-vid&CTA+Comment&W0kQ
@ Sara G Yes is would be the same procedure. Here's a link to the new outer door handles that we sell on our website for your car if you need one. www.1aauto.com/1A/exterior-door-handles/Nissan/Altima/-/-/2002?VideoReply&RU-vid&ATony
I just did this job and left the window in place. I removed the 3 bolts that hold the window motor in the regulator assembly. I also removed the bolts for the window track on the regulator assembly and let the track rest inside the door when I pulled off regulator assembly. After you remove the 2 door handle screws, push the handle towards the front of the car, then you need to apply Force to pop out the handle from the bottom of the handle where there is a notch that holds it in the door. You also need to use force to install the new one.
Thank you for these instructions. So helpful! Unfortunately, I ordered the door handle from another company before I found your video. In the future, I'll order my parts from you guys in appreciation of your efforts. I'll probably be happier with your products anyway. My new door handle was slightly malformed and there was a great deal of frustration and cursing involved in getting it to fit. However, it's done, and it works! Thanks again.
Great video! Thanks so much. Bought the part from 1Aauto, It fit perfectly. The hardest part was getting those long metal hooks off the door handle. The little plastic clips are hard to see. Oh yeah that and I had a moment of panic when I shut the door and had already disconnected all the cables and hooks. Was finally able to get the door unlatched and continue with the re-install. Thanks again for such a great video!
yeah those rods sucked my one fell off I spent a hour trying to figure out how to get it back on right lol boy what a job for just a handle 1A Auto Parts
@@obee69242000Amen! just bought an '02 and spent 3 hours on this job, and went to change a front turn signal bulb... holy freaking crap! 1A does a great video but who designs cars like this??? dismantling wheel well, front grill and bumper to remove the entire light housing for a .99c bulb? It's a good thing it drives like a dream or I'd push it into the lake haha
This is definitely harder than it looks. He forgets the hardest part of reconnected the far back bar that goes to the key lock. And the bar that connects to the handle, if it slips out of position, it is a nightmare to get it back in such a tight spot. I had to break that grey bracket just get a sight on where my hand was going.
This happened to me. The bar that connects to the handle came completely off when I was trying to clip it back. I didn’t know how to put it back in place so now my car won’t open from outside or inside. I’ll re try tomorrow.
Gave it a thumbs up... Great video and informative, but damn that's a mission to change that damn handle... LOL I have both on the drivers side break within months, driver, and passenger. 05 Altima... You think they would use better parts versus a brittle plastic handle. Thanks 1A...
Nic Cage Nic Video description says 2002 to 2006 He also says it with his own words at the beginning of the video "is the same proses for 2002 to 2006"
I have pulled the door handle out of the rear drivers side of 3 older Altimas of the same styling (2002,2003) and the same thing happens each time - the 10 mm bolts never come out easy. They always seem to be welded in to the nuts on the handle and the little weak flanges on the door. These cars are so old now they rust and are a bugger to get off. Several times the flanges would rust to the nuts and bolts and when you tried to loosen these bolts the flanges would twist with them. That is not good as they are what attaches the handles to the doors. The plastic posts (where the nuts are embedded in) also strip or break so you are left with a nut and bolt rusted to the flange. Not good. I would strongly recommend that people soak the 10 mm bolts in penetrating oil first and let them sit awhile before attempting to remove from the handles... otherwise you will twist the attachment flanges and then you are in need of a new way of attaching the handles to the door. As well, the rear door handles require you to remove the latching mechanism - which is held in by three large phillips screws. These screws are thread-locked in with the blue glue (mind blank - can't remember the name of the stuff ). You will need a really good phillips to break the seals to remove them otherwise they strip as well. This should be a relatively easy job but because of Nissan's poor weak design and the aging / brittleness of the old plastic... if you don't watch out you could screw up the door. I found this out by experience, but luckily at a wreckers yard on old crappy worthless doors.
+Jason Sorrell Thank you! We love empowering our customers and showing how to perform DIY auto repairs with our high-quality auto parts. 1aau.to/m/Shop-1AAuto-c
Will be doing 2 of my doors. All 4 have to ne done, but only got 2 handles at the moment. They make cars cheap. Plastic handles are no good in the Florida heat.
+Dave Wilson Thank you! We love empowering our customers and showing how to perform DIY auto repairs with our high-quality auto parts. 1aau.to/m/Shop-1AAuto-c
Do I also have to re code the lock cylinder? I replaced my door handle but there is a plastic rivet/ring on the cable that was worn...so door still wont open. but video tutorial was priceless!!!
You would be swapping over the original Key Lock Cylinder so that is not required. Below is a link to the handle on our website. Thank you for watching. 1aauto.com 888-844-3393 www.1aauto.com/1A/exterior-door-handles/Nissan/Altima/1ADHE00413?RU-vid&Banner&OverlayCTA?VideoReply&VideoReply&ATony
Very informative. Don't know if I will actually be doing this, though. I may have to pay someone to do it. Door handle was broken by the guy who did my smog check . Ugh!!
Ordered the door handle from you two years ago... Just installed tonight... Part wasn't a exact fit... We had to use a cutting wheel on a dremel tool to cut a slit in the top of the plastic to allow the handle to go up just a tad more so the bottom would click in.
+Gardentopia Inc Thank you for watching. We're sorry to hear that our part wasn't an exact fit. If you experience any issues please call us at 1-888-844-3393 so we may resolve the matter. 1aauto.com
Best videos! You guys are awesome! Thanks. A note for those with tinted windows, the tint might get damaged when pulling the window out. Any suggestions on keeping it intact, aside from being extremely careful, would be welcome. I had a complication (well, two): rod that goes into back of handle came off from the bottom. Took a while to get it back where it belonged, after blindly looking for the other connecting "site". Also, dropped a window rail bolt inside the door when reassembling. Found a replacement...I really didn't want to take the window and front metal plate off again but would've had to. Other than that, a broken nail :) and sore fingertips from pulling connectors and those stinkin' clips. :) Now, on to the next door.
Thank you for the great reply. We love to empower our customers by showing you how-to perform your own auto repairs while installing our high quality auto parts. Have a great day! 1aauto.com +Vladimir Vega
When installing the new handle, the metal rod appears to need 1 mm more height to reach the green clip hole. I lifted the handle on the outside to get more room for the rod and secured it in the green clip. But, it is now stuck in an upright position. Any suggestions?
The poles that are clipped in, the closer one of them came out completely while I was trying to get the further one into the clip. How do I get it back where it needs to be?
Hello, Thank you for making this tutorial. But I had a question regarding the replacement door handle. How do you get the door handle back in the car with the clip on the bottom of the door handle? I can get the top in, but then the bottom will not go in.
When you loosen the door lock mechanism, you will see a blue colored tab on top with a hole in it. The bottom of rod that connects to the door handle is placed into that hole.
My window came off track, I'm assuming that the fastening bolts came out, or the fasteners themselves broke. Is it safe to remove the inner door panel before removing the window? I don't really have a choice, as the window is sitting off track at the bottom of the door, but is there anything special I should do? This video was extremely helpful, btw!
Thanks for watching. You will have no problem removing the panel first. In most cases that is done before anything so you can verify what physically broke 1aauto.com 888-844-3393
+easnile Thanks for watching, We carry the replacement door handle shown in this video on our website. We also offer free shipping in the lower 48 states on all orders. Here's a link to them on our website, if any of our viewers need to replace theirs. Hope this helps out www.1aauto.com/2002-06-nissan-altima-exterior-door-handle-driver-side-front/i/1adhe00413?RU-vid&CTA%20Comment&ATony%20
The video is great but to make it easy on yourself don't take the window regulator apart from the interior panel..... Just remover the outer 10mm bolts....
I wish you showed how to get that rod in the back that you can barely see hooked back in. I've been trying for HOURS and it will NOT hook back into the clip. I can only get 3 fingers in there to even touch it and I cant get enough grip or finger strength for it to stay still and hook.
I have a 02 nissan altima and I just replace the window motor and it's working okay but when it rolls up it's to slow almost stop moving...and when rolls down it's perfect I tried to adjust the window regulator with no luck...please any advise will help and thank you for this videos helps a lot
Great Vid but do you know why you can't get your handle in your color? It's because car manufactures stop making handles in your color after a certain number of years. This being the case then why not make them white or clear so you can paint them better? It also is why you see cars with black handles that don't match and wonder why? Now you know you gain understanding.
just was wonderin...if you roll your window up all the way after panel and black metal cover are removed could u get to the bolts or do u have to remove window glass?
wait up correct me if I'm wrong but I don't think you have to align the window to the spot where the holes are at to take off the screws that hold the window because on the next step you end up take off the whole inner panel any way. right?
+Alex Aguirre It almost looks that way, doesn't it? But not quite. You need to remove the window first because the regulator is attached to that inner panel, and the window itself is attached to the regulator. So you wouldn't be able to remove the panel if the window isn't out first. Great question though! thanks for commenting. 1aauto.com?RU-vid&CTA%20Comment&ATony 866-403-3393
If only the outer trim of the door handle is broken do I still need to use this whole procedure? And do I replace the entire handle or do I only replace the broken trim? The handle still works, just harder to open with no trim to hold on to
The outer trim piece is part of the door handle, it's a molded piece. We carry new ones on our website. Here's a link to them if you would like to see what we have to offer. www.1aauto.com/2006-nissan-altima-exterior-door-handles/y-mo-c/2006-329-15?RU-vid&RU-vid&ATony