How to change outside door handle on drivers side

[AZquestowner]

I am trying to replace my outside door handle on the driver door. How do I go about changing it out without breaking anything. My van is 2000 Nissan Quest GXE

[pk386]

While I don't know of a specific how to I can give you some pointers.

see if you can get your hands on a copy of the Factory service manual. That will give you step by step how to take it apart.

Or take one apart at a Pull-a-part junk yard so you know how to take yours apart.

It isn't too hard just take your time and gently pull on panels if it isn't working loose check for hidden bolts and screws.

Or find a buddy at a car audio shop or body shop and offer a case of beer

[ricebike]

FSM is located here:

http://www.nicoclub.com/FSM/quest/2000_Quest/bt.pdf

section: sliding door BT-21

BT-11 & BT-12 are the types of plastic fasteners you'll be dealing with... i only used big flathead screwdrivers to remove the door panel. The smaller inner door handle surround can be "yanked off" easily

the locations of those fasteners are on BT-31

then the clear plastic weather shield would have to be peeled back so you can access some bolts

illustration of where that door lock adjustment notation is where you'll have to work on... it's pretty straight-forward once you start looking at it

the pic sucks in terms of what bolts are needed to access & i'll post up some pics later

[ricebike]

this trim panel by the inner door handle can be yanked off with no tools



the flip side to see the plastic fasteners that just pop-onto the sheet metal



2 phillips screws to remove that inner door handle, so you can access the bolts that is holding the external handle



some of the stuff that you need to remove so you can get to the external handle... it's been awhile since i did it, but it's pretty straightforward



i zoomed in so you can see some of the rods that you'll need to disconnect before getting to the handle...



installed handle; i didn't bother to paint it because i'm pretty much keeping the van till the wheels fall off