Removal and Installation

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2006 Mercury Mariner and 2006 Ford Escape. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Remove the rear door trim panel. For additional information, refer to INTERIOR TRIM AND ORNAMENTATION .
Position the watershield aside.
Position the rear door glass top run aside.
1. Remove the 2 bolts.
  - To install, tighten to 8 Nm (71 lb-in).
2. Position the rear door glass top run aside.
  
  Fig 1: Identifying Rear Door Glass Run Bolts
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Loosen the 2 exterior door handle reinforcement screws until the exterior door handle reinforcement slides free.

Fig 2: Locating Exterior Door Handle Reinforcement Screws
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the exterior door handle cover.
1. Pull the exterior door handle.
2. The front of the cover must be released prior to removing the cover.
  
  Fig 3: Identifying Exterior Door Handle Cover
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the exterior door handle by sliding the handle towards the rear of the vehicle.

Fig 4: Locating Exterior Door Handle
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the 2 exterior door handle seals.
Disconnect the exterior door handle actuating rod.
1. Open the clip.
2. Disconnect the actuating rod.
  
  Fig 5: Disconnecting Exterior Door Handle Actuating Rod
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Slide the exterior door handle toward the front of the vehicle and remove the reinforcement.
To install, reverse the removal procedure.