How to Install an Exterior Left Door Handle on a 2000 Camry

The Toyota Camry was introduced in the United States in 1983. The 2000 Camry came equipped with a DOCH 2.2-liter in-line four-cylinder engine in the base model CE. The 2000 Camry had the option of a SOHC 2.2-liter in-line four-cylinder or a 3.3-liter V-6 as well. The door handles on the Camry are attached to multiple linkages within the door frame, called connecting rods. The door handle and lock cylinder are mounted together in the front doors of the Camry, while the rear doors simply have a handle.

Instructions

1

Open the driver's door. Lower the window only about 1/2 to 1 inch maximum. Turn the car off, and remove the key from the ignition completely, if you have power windows.

2

Insert a screwdriver in between the forward facing end of the window control module, and the door pull handle. Pry upward gently on the panel to release the locking tab. Pull the window control module out of the door. Remove the electrical connectors from the rear of the control module by hand. If you have manual windows in your Camry, insert a rag between the bottom of the crank handle and the door panel. Pull upward on the rag then remove the crank handle.

3

Remove the mounting screws around the outer door panel at the back and on the bottom of the panel. Remove the screw in the middle of the door puller handle. Remove the screw covers at the front of the door, near the top. Remove the two upper front screws.

4

Pull the door panel upward and twist it slightly. Remove the door panel and weatherstrip rail from the driver's door. Pull the weatherstripping over the access hole from top corners downward. You can completely remove the weatherstripping, or just let the bottom of it hang as it will be out of your way. Reconnect the window control module and roll the window up completely. Remove the control panel again. Remove the key from the ignition when done. Install the crank handle to roll up a manual window, which can stay there until you are finished with the door handle replacement.

5

Remove the door lock actuator if equipped with electric locks. The lock actuator is located on the rearmost part of the inside of the door handle and is attached to the lock. Use a screwdriver to gently push the plastic clips open and off the connecting rods, where they attach to the handle. Remove the rods from the handle. Remove the two mounting screws from the inside of the door handle, with a screwdriver. Pull the door handle and lock cylinder out of the door from the outside.

6

Remove small locking clip on the inboard side of the lock cylinder. Push the lock cylinder out of the old door handle. Insert the cylinder into the new door handle, and install the locking clip.

7

Insert the new door handle into the mounting hole in the door. Hold it there with one hand. Reach around the inside of the door and start both mounting screws into the new door handle, using your fingers. Tighten the mounting screws so they are snug. Do not over-tighten the screws or you will break the new door handle. Install the connecting rods to the door lock and handle, using a screwdriver to lock the plastic tabs in place. Install the door lock actuator back onto the lock cylinder by simply pushing it on.

8

Push the door weatherstripping back into place with your fingers. Roll the window down slightly with the crank handle, then remove the handle again. Install the window control module and roll the window down 1/2 to 1 inch, then remove the module again. Remove the key from the ignition when you are done.

9

Install the door panel back onto the Camry. Install the outer mounting screws, but do not tighten them yet. Install the two forward upper mounting screws. Install the door puller handle mounting screw. Tighten all of the screws snug, only after all of the screws have been started into their mounting holes.

10

Pull the window control module wiring harnesses through the hole in the door puller handle. Connect the wiring to the rear of the module. Insert the rear end of the module first, then push the front end down until it clicks into place. Install the window crank if you are working with manual windows. Push the crank on until it clicks into place.