How to Fix a Car Door Latch on a Toyota

If the latch on any one of your Toyota vehicle's doors is broken, you will have a hard time opening and closing the door. You need to fix the door quickly by replacing the latch. Make sure you get the exact type of door latch that works with your particular year and model Toyota vehicle. You will have to get inside the door to remove and replace the door latch.

Instructions

1

Remove the door's inner trim panel by removing its mounting screws and pulling the panel off. On many models, the screws are under the door handle and/or pull handle bezels, which you must pry off with a trim stick. You'll also need to pry off and disconnect the power controls or remove the window crank by rubbing a towel in the crack to remove its clip.

2

Peel back the plastic watershield on the door. Make sure you don't tear it.

3

Disconnect the links that attach the latch to the lock cylinder and handle by unsnapping their plastic clips. If there are any electrical connectors on the latch--which there should be if the door has power locks--disconnect them also.

4

Unscrew and remove the three screws surrounding the latch opening on the outside of the doors; these screws should require a Torx wrench. With the screws removed, remove the latch from the door's opening.

5

Insert the replacement latch into the door and secure it with the mounting screws; use screws that come with the latch if any are included.

6

Connect the links and electrical connectors onto the new latch.

7

Reconnect the door panel in reverse order of removal.