Front Door Outer Handle Replacement

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 6 other vehicles, including the 2014 Honda Ridgeline, 2013 Honda Ridgeline, 2012 Honda Ridgeline, 2011 Honda Ridgeline, and 2010 Honda Ridgeline. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE:

Put on gloves to protect your hands.
Take care not to scratch the door or the related parts.

Raise the glass fully.
Remove these items:
- Door panel (see FRONT DOOR PANEL REMOVAL/INSTALLATION )
- Plastic cover, as needed (see FRONT DOOR GLASS AND REGULATOR REPLACEMENT )
- Center lower channel (see FRONT DOOR LATCH REPLACEMENT ) (driver's side only)
Remove the maintenance seal (A) from the rear of the door, then disconnect the outer handle rod (B) and the cylinder rod (C) (driver's).

Fig 1: Identifying Maintenance Seal, Outer Handle Rod And Cylinder Rod
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Driver's door: Release the retainer clip (A) with a hook-shaped tool, then remove the lock cylinder (B).

Fig 2: Releasing Retainer Clip With Hook-Shaped Tool
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Driver's door: Disconnect the cylinder switch connector (A), and detach the harness clips (B), then remove the cylinder switch (C).

Fig 3: Identifying Cylinder Switch Connector, Harness Clips And Cylinder Switch
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Remove the bolts, and slide the outer handle protector (A) to release the hook (B), then remove the outer handle protector.

Fig 4: Sliding Outer Handle Protector To Releasing Hook With Torque Specifications
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Release the hook (A), then pull out the outer handle (B) from the door.

Fig 5: Identifying Outer Handle And Hook
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Remove the rod fastener (A) from the outer handle (B), then replace it with a new one.

Fig 6: Removing Rod Fastener From Outer Handle
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Install the outer handle in the reverse order of removal, and note these items:
- Driver's: Make sure the cylinder switch harness is routed properly.
- Make sure the cylinder switch connector on the driver's door is plugged in properly, and each rod is connected securely.
- 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.
- Make sure the door key cylinder/door locks operate properly.
- Make sure the door handle works properly.
- When installing the lock cylinder, leave the outer door handle bolts loose so the inner protector does not interfere with the lock cylinder, then tighten the handle bolts.
- When reinstalling the door panel, make sure the plastic cover is installed properly and sealed around its outside perimeter to seal out water.