How to Replace the Inside Door Handle on the 2007 Dodge Nitro

The 2007 Dodge Nitro SXT base model was equipped with a 3.7-liter V-6 engine that produces 210 horsepower and 235 foot-pounds of torque. An optional 4.0-liter V-6 engine produces 260 horsepower and 265 foot-pounds of torque. The 2007 Nitro was produced in two-wheel and four-wheel-drive versions for all six trim packages, the SXT, R/T and SLT. The interior door handle on the 2007 Nitro is somewhat difficult to access and remove, as removal of the door panel is required. Special care should be taken not to break any of the fragile plastic parts.

Instructions

1

Open the Nitro's door and place the window in the full downward position. Remove the door handle bezel cover carefully, using a flat-head screwdriver. Remove the door handle mounting screw, using a Torx bit hand driver. Remove the screw cap from the door puller handle and the bottom rear corner of the door panel, using a flat-head screwdriver. Remove the two mounting screws, using a hand Torx driver.

2

Remove the power window switch panel from the door panel, using a flat-head screwdriver to carefully pry the panel free. Disconnect the electrical connectors from the back of the window switch panel by hand. Gently pull the door puller handle to dislocate the handle from the four-way locator clip. Pull the entire door panel up and away from the door and remove the speaker wire connector from the back of the speaker. Remove the door panel from the vehicle.

3

Remove the interior door handle locking clip from the rod. Use a flat-head screwdriver or pliers to push the clip off the door rod at the handle. Remove the push pin from the door handle by pushing it up from the handle, then pulling it free with pliers. Hold the small spring in the center of the push pin using a second pair of pliers. Do not allow the pin to jump off the door when released. Remove the door handle from the Nitro.

4

Install the new door handle into the carrier plate. Install the spring onto the door handle so that the ends of the spring are pressed against the handle and the door handle carrier plate. Install the push pin downward through the new handle and carrier plate to lock the handle in place. Install the door lock rod onto the locking clip. Push the clip onto the rod using the flat-head screwdriver.

5

Set the door panel near the door frame. Install the door speaker clip onto the rear of the speaker. Raise the door panel slightly and set it into the window area of the door frame. Push the door panel down to align the door handle puller with the four-way locator clip. Push the panel into the door frame to set it into the four-way locator. Install the two mounting screws into the door and tighten them snug with the Torx driver.

6

Install the door handle mounting screw and tighten it snug. Install the door handle bezel clip by hand. Push the bezel until it clicks and locks into the door panel. Install the screw cap covers by hand.