How to replace the exterior door handle.

dsamoy · 05-29-2009, 07:46 PM

Can someone explain how I can replace the driver's side exterior door handle on my 97 ford explorer myself? I have already ordered the new door handle, but just need to know how to do it w/o seriously damaging my vehicle. Thanks.

*Sams01XplrSprt* · 05-29-2009, 08:07 PM

welcome

jlsparky7 · 05-30-2009, 12:06 AM

Welcome to the forum!

I think you have to remove the inner door panel. Should be fairly easy form there.

*vroomzoomboom* · 05-30-2009, 11:23 AM

there are two rivets that you will have to drill out. on the inside of the door, there is a threaded clip that holds the linkage in, you will have to open it (it opens like a door, it may be a little stubborn, but it will open). then put your new handle on, and then the linkage back in, and snap the clip back in place. you will need one of the bigger pop rivet guns because the rivets are 1/4 ones. also, when you go to rivet the handle back on, tape some cardboard under the handle. that way if the rivet gun drops after it snaps off the rivet, it will not scratch the door. hope this helps you.

**BrooklynBay** · 05-31-2009, 01:48 AM

Welcome to this forum! I've moved your thread to the stock 95-01 section.

JoeMahma · 05-31-2009, 07:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dsamoy

Can someone explain how I can replace the driver's side exterior door handle on my 97 ford explorer myself? I have already ordered the new door handle, but just need to know how to do it w/o seriously damaging my vehicle. Thanks.

Here ya go...

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/...ht=door+handle

marragtop · 12-31-2012, 03:27 PM

I have a 2000 explorer. The original outside drivers door handle lasted about 100k and I had to replace it. I'm sure I did the repair correctly in terms of drilling the rivets out and getting the linkage lined up properly. However, I've had to since replace the handle twice within 20k miles. I've been using a new aftermarket replacement (Dorman) handle from one of the well know wholesalers. Here's my question... does anyone know if the dealer supplied handle is of better quality than the aftermarket handle? thanks

05-29-2009, 07:46 PM	#1
dsamoy Wannabe Elite Explorer 97 Eddie Bauer 4wd Join Date: May 2009 Posts: 1 Vehicle Specs (Original Poster)	How to replace the exterior door handle. Can someone explain how I can replace the driver's side exterior door handle on my 97 ford explorer myself? I have already ordered the new door handle, but just need to know how to do it w/o seriously damaging my vehicle. Thanks.

05-29-2009, 08:07 PM	#2
Sams01XplrSprt Southern Cali Explorer Newport Beach California & Bay Area California 2001 Sport (sold) Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 15,633 Vehicle Specs	welcome __________________ 2001 Ford Explorer Sport 4.0 sohc engine. Mods include: dual 40 series flowmasters & high flow k&n air filter & removed silencer & yellow fog lights (sold for $1,800) as of 2-26-12

05-30-2009, 12:06 AM	#3
jlsparky7 Wannabe Elite Explorer Woodhaven, Mi 1996 5.0 XLT AWD Join Date: Apr 2009 Posts: 1,517 Vehicle Specs	Welcome to the forum! I think you have to remove the inner door panel. Should be fairly easy form there. __________________ Explorer how to videos Brakes, Intake, Seafoam, Coolant Flush, Oil change, Differential Flush, Inertia Switch, Thermostat, Transfer Case Flush, Throttle Mod, and more! http://www.youtube.com/user/jlsparky7 If you like/use my vids you can thank me by subscribing to my youtube page! Thanks!

05-30-2009, 11:23 AM	#4
vroomzoomboom Elite Canuck STOCK SUCKS! selkirk, manitoba 98 5L sport Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 5,643 Vehicle Specs	there are two rivets that you will have to drill out. on the inside of the door, there is a threaded clip that holds the linkage in, you will have to open it (it opens like a door, it may be a little stubborn, but it will open). then put your new handle on, and then the linkage back in, and snap the clip back in place. you will need one of the bigger pop rivet guns because the rivets are 1/4 ones. also, when you go to rivet the handle back on, tape some cardboard under the handle. that way if the rivet gun drops after it snaps off the rivet, it will not scratch the door. hope this helps you. __________________ NOS is nice, but i'd rather be BLOWN evils elite registry roll pan build for 1st and 2nd gen explorers door switch LED convention

05-31-2009, 01:48 AM	#5
BrooklynBay Aerostar Forum Moderator Brooklyn, NY 88 89 93 95 96 Aerostars Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 45,695 Vehicle Specs	Welcome to this forum! I've moved your thread to the stock 95-01 section. __________________ My list of useful threads. My photo gallery. My product reviews. My list of items for sale. Aerostar owners thread. Aerostar parts work in Explorers, Rangers, and Bronco II thread. History of the Aerostar thread. Aerostar Forum. New Members Forum. Ford/Lincoln/Mercury Forum.

12-31-2012, 03:27 PM	#7
marragtop Wannabe Elite Explorer balt, md 91 xlt, 92 xlt, 95 xlt Join Date: Apr 2001 Posts: 2,074 Vehicle Specs	I have a 2000 explorer. The original outside drivers door handle lasted about 100k and I had to replace it. I'm sure I did the repair correctly in terms of drilling the rivets out and getting the linkage lined up properly. However, I've had to since replace the handle twice within 20k miles. I've been using a new aftermarket replacement (Dorman) handle from one of the well know wholesalers. Here's my question... does anyone know if the dealer supplied handle is of better quality than the aftermarket handle? thanks __________________ '88 F150 4x4 '91 Explorer XLT 4x4 '92 Explorer XLT 4x4 '95 Explorer XLT 4x4 If it don't = 16 (4x4), it ain't worth driving...