How to Install Full Door Handles for a Jeep
- 1). Remove the interior trim panel from the door of your Jeep if it is not already off. The panel is attached to the door with clips around the perimeter. Slide a trim stick or other wide, flat tool under the edge of the panel and pry it loose from the clips.
- 2). Remove the screw in the center of the window crank and one in the center of the trim plate for the inside door handle. Both screws will come out with a Phillips head screwdriver.
- 3). Peel back the moisture barrier from the door being careful not to rip it. The barrier will need to be intact when you reinstall it or you will get water and air leaking into the passenger compartment of the Jeep.
- 4). Locate the latch rod in the opening on the outside of the door. Install the rod onto the tab on the inside of the handle. It snaps into position with a plastic clip, be careful not to break the clip.
- 5). Position a new gasket on the door opening and slide the handle into the opening. Move to the inside of the door and install the keepers on both ends of the handle. There are two of them and they slide in from the top of the handle.
- 6). Slide the window crank handle onto the window regulator so you can raise and lower the window. Do not install the screw as you will need to remove the handle again when you reinstall the inner trim panel.
- 7). Roll the window down on the door and use a long, flat screwdriver to reach down from the top through the window slot to push the retainers down into the handle. The retainer has several steps or notches cut into it, push the retainer down until two or three notches have engaged the handle. Do not push it so far that you bend the sheet metal around the handle.
- 8). Roll the window up into a fully closed position. Install the latch rod, the lock rod, and the outside release rod onto the handle. These rods are only long enough to reach their intended positions on the handle so figuring out which one goes where is not difficult.
- 9). Install the vapor barrier on the the door and replace the inner door panel. The panel attaches to the door with clips and can be snapped into place by pushing the clips into the holes on the door.
- 10
Install the window crank handle on the door and secure it with the Phillips head retaining screw. Install the retaining screw in the center of the trim panel around the inside door handle and tighten both with a Phillips head screwdriver.