Front Door Outer Handle Replacement

NOTE: Put on gloves to protect your hands.

Raise the glass fully.
Remove these items:
- Mirror mount cover, power mirror (see step 2 on POWER MIRROR REPLACEMENT ), manual mirror (see step 2 on MANUAL MIRROR REPLACEMENT )
- Door panel (see Front Door Panel Removal/Installation )
- Plastic cover, as necessary (see Component Location Index )
Remove the bolt, and pull the glass run channel (A) away as necessary for '99-00 models, then remove the center lower channel (B) by pulling it downward. For '01-04 models: Remove it with center lower glass run channel (C).

Fig 1: Removing Bolt & Pulling Glass Run Channel (1999-2000 Models)
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

Fig 2: Removing Bolt & Pulling Glass Run Channel (2001-04 Models)
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Disconnect the cylinder rod (A). Release the retainer clip (B), then remove the lock cylinder (C).

Fig 3: Disconnecting Cylinder Rod
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Remove the screw, then separate the lock cylinder (A) and cylinder switch (B).

Fig 4: Separating Lock Cylinder
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Disconnect the cylinder switch connector (A), and detach the harness clip (B), and release the cylinder switch harness (C) from the harness clip (D).

Fig 5: Disconnecting Cylinder Switch Connector
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Remove the access cap (A), and remove the bolts securing the outer handle protector (B) and outer handle (C).

Fig 6: Removing Access Cap
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Pull the outer handle (A) away from the door. Use diagonal cutters (B) to pry the joint (C) out of the arm on the outer handle, and then remove the outer handle rod (D) from the joint.
NOTE:
- To ease reassembly, note the distance (E) of the outer handle rod on the joint before disconnecting it.
- Take care not to bend the outer handle rod.
- Use a shop towel (F) to protect the opening in the door.
Fig 7: Pulling Outer Handle Away From Door
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Replace the bushing (G) on the outer handle.
Install the outer handle in the reverse order of removal, and note these items:
- Make sure the cylinder switch harness is routed properly.
- Make sure the connector is plugged in properly, and each rod is connected securely.
- Make sure the door locks and opens properly.
- When installing the lock cylinder, leave the outer door handle bolts loose so the inner protector does not interfere with the lock cylinder installation, then tighten the handle bolts.
- Install the lock cylinder retaining clip on the handle, then install the lock cylinder. Be sure the clip is fully seated in the slot on the lock cylinder.
- When reinstalling the door panel, make sure the plastic cover is installed properly and sealed around its perimeter.
- For '03-04 models: Reset the power window control unit (see RESETTING THE POWER WINDOW CONTROL UNIT '03-04 ).