How to Remove the Door Handle on a 2000 Taurus

You need to replace either the outer or inner door handle on your Ford Taurus car if either of them is broken. It's also possible to replace the current handle with an aftermarket version if you simply want to. Both the inner and outer door handles on all of the 2000 model's doors are mounted in place on the door's inside, so you will need to remove the door's inner trim panel to work on the handles.

Instructions

Removing the Door Panel

1

Disconnect the car's negative battery cable.

2

Pry off the trim cover behind the inner door handle with a trim tool. Pry away the small plug covering the screw in the bottom of the door's pull pocket.

3

Remove all the screws to the door panel with a Phillips screwdriver--there is one behind the plug you removed, two along the panel's bottom edge, two near the armrest, one on the front and rear edge each and one along the top edge.

4

Disengage the push pins connecting the trim panel to the door by working the trim stick or a large screwdriver behind the panel's edge. Swing out the bottom of the panel, disconnect all electrical connectors behind the panel and lift it off the door.

5

Peel away the plastic, water shield behind the trim panel.

Outer Door Handle

6

Remove the two mounting bolts on the inside of the door that secure the handle assembly using a wrench. Disconnect the electrical connector if the car is equipped with a keyless entry.

7

Pull out the handle assembly from the door until you can access the control rods. Unclip the lock cylinder's control rod (front doors only) and rotate the handle assembly to disconnect the handle's control rod.

8

Disconnect the lock cylinder from the handle by removing its clip and clip it in place on the new handle. This is only needed if the new handle has no cylinder or if you want to keep using your old keys.

9

Install the new door handle by connecting the control rod(s), inserting it into the door and applying the mounting bolts.

10

Reconnect the inner panel unless you are also changing the inner handle.

Inner Handle

11

Remove the screw that holds the latch control and link to the door.

12

Drill out the pop rivet that connects the handle to the door with a 1/4-inch drill bit.

13

Remove the plastic cover covering the cable at the latch end. Disconnect the latch-control link and remove the inner door handle.

14

Connect the replacement door handle to latch-control link and place the plastic cover back over the cable.

15

Fasten the handle to the door with a single rivet. Connect the latch control and link to the door.

16

Connect the door inner trim panel in the reverse order of removal.