This Do It Yourself (DIY) article provides details on fixing or replacing the rear exterior door handle, door latch or door lock actuator for the 4 door (1997 - 2001) Toyota Camry. The repair operation principals can also be used on other Toyota vehicles. Why cover three repair items in one article? Unfortunately, access to a damaged component is impossible without removing another component which may require repair as well. Specifically, the rear exterior door handle along with the Door Lock Actuator is inaccessible unless the door latch is removed. The Door Latch blocks access to the door handle's rear mounting bolt and the Door Lock Actuator cannot be removed unless the latch is removed as well (since the actuator is mounted and braced to the Door Latch). The Typical Problems with the Door Components: Since its made out of plastic and combined with age, the exterior handle can unexpectedly brake off ... especially is frigid conditions. Attempting to fuse the handle at the point of brakage/separation with epoxy glue will fix the problem temporarily.
Even with epoxy, the handle will eventually brake free. Replacement door handles, both painted and unpainted, can be order from various vendors on the internet for modest prices. My preference is to match the car's paint code with a pre-painted door handle. When attempting to open the door by pulling on either the inside or outside door handle/lever and the door will not open, the latch must be replaced. Toyota does not sell replacement components for the latch assembly. Unfortunately, the latch is a very expensive replacement product ($200). Obtaining a used replacement from an auto salvage yard may be worthwhile considering; however, door latch assemblies are usually missing due to their high demand. When one or more doors locks will not electronically lock when using either the Master Door Lock Switch, Ignition Key or Remote Door Lock Key Fob, the Door Lock Actuator Motor has become weak or failed. The Actuator Motor can be replaced but is not available by Dealers as a replacement part;
only the complete Door Lock Actuator assembly for approximately $150. However, there are vendors on either Amazon or E bay selling replacement motors for OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) providers of Toyota. In addition, third party parts vendors provide complete actuators considerably less than Toyota on the internet. The Toyota Door Lock Actuator assembly encapsulates the motor and the gears it drivers into 2 black plastic covers. These covers are lightly glued together and can be easily separated by striking the contact seams with a wide tip screwdriver and hammer. When the seam partially opens, the rest of the cover can be pried off which will brake the glue's adhesion. From that point, the motor can be replaced with a new one. The Camry type replacement motor must have a brass collar attached to the end of the motor's rod. A Worm Gear then slides over the collar. The Worm Gear in turn rotates the gears inside the Actuator assembly. No specialized repair tools are required to replace the subject parts.
A screw driver set, Metric Socket Wrench Set and a Torx 3/8" socket set is all that should be needed. With no glitches, approximately 1.5 hours. Remove the Interior Door PanelThe interior door panel must be removed to gain access to the failed components. The items requiring removed are outlined in Red and in numerical sequence: Remove the Interior Door Handle CoverPry open the Interior Door Handle Screw Cover Remove the Interior Door Handle Cover Screw Pry off the Interior Door Handle Cover from the Door Handle and Lock Pivot Pins. Pull off the Interior Door Handle Cover. Remove the Door Armrest Plugs & ScrewsPry out the rearmost Armrest Plug With a long Phillips head screw driver, remove the screw. Pry out the front upper Armrest Plug Remove and Unplug the Window SwitchUsing either a plastic mini pry bar or a screw driver, prying out the front of the Window Switch. Pull the switch forward and up. Disconnect the electrical fitting on the switch.
Pry off the Rear Door Black Plastic Cover PlatePosition either a mini plastic pry bar or screw driver under the cover plate and gently pry off the cover plate. The plate is fitted to the door with plastic push pins. If pulled to aggressively, the pins might brake. Detach the Interior Door Panel & Remove the Vapor BarrierRemove the Rear Window Frame (Guide) Rail Bolt. Remove the Plastic Push Pin from the rear of the Door Panel. Using either a plastic pry bar or wide tip screw driver wrapped in tape (to protect the paint), nudge the bar tip between the panel and the door. With some gently prying action, the plastic fastener pins recessed in the door panel with pop off the door. Work around the door panel, pulling and separating the panel from the door. Pull the door panel up and away from the door. Remove the White Panel Pin Bracket from the door. From the rear portion of the door, peel back halfway the clear plastic vapor barrier. Detach the Door Latch and Lock Control RodsUsing a thin tipped screw driver, hold the control rod with the right hand while applying upward pressure on the rod connection fittings until the plastic clears the rod.
Pull the rods out of the plastic connection fittings. Remove the Upper Window Guide Rail BoltRemoval of this bolt will be necessary to allow the Guide Rail to move when pulling out the Door Latch. Remove the Rear Door Latch ScrewsUse a Torx Socket to remove the Door Latch Screws. Pull Out the Door Latch (No Photos)The Rear Window Door Frame is the only object that obstructs the removal of the Door Latch. By having the Window Guide Rail unbolted, the guide can be pushed inwards while the Door Latch is pulled out via the door access hole. By viewing your progress through one of the access holes, position the Door Latch (while the Window Guide is pushed inwards) so that it clears the guide. If Replacing the Door HandleEither the removal or unbolting of the Door Latch will allow access to the rear Door Handle Mounting Bolt. Pulling off the 'Child Lock Switch' rubber cover provides one path. Access to the front bolt can be performed through one of the door's access hole.
The interior of the old Door Handle has a lip that holds the handle to the door. From the inside of the door, lift the lip over the door's mounting hole to remove the handle. If this is difficult, from the exterior of the door handle, use a taped wide flat head screw driver to lift the handle above the door's mounting hole. If replacing the Door LatchIf a new replacement Door Latch was purchased, the latch is probably missing the Door Lock Actuator assembly. The Lock Actuator from the old Door Latch must be transferred to the new latch (no photos). There are three screws that secures the Lock Actuator to the Door Latch. In addition, there is a small control lever that must be removed from the latch. If replacing the Door Lock Actuator MotorThe Door Lock Actuator Assembly must first be removed from the Dock Latch. There are 3 screws and control lever that must be removed (no photo). The Actuator Assembly Covers are glued together. Use either a small chisel or wide flat head screw driver with a hammer to separate the covers.