Front Door Outer Handle Replacement

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2013 Acura MDX, 2012 Acura MDX, 2011 Acura MDX, and 2010 Acura MDX. 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.
Use a clip remover to disconnect the outer handle rod.

Raise the glass fully.
Remove the door panel
Disconnect the power door lock actuator connector (A).

Fig 1: Identifying Power Door Lock Actuator Connector And Plug Cap
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Remove the plug cap (B), then remove the plastic cover (C), as needed.
NOTE: Remove the glue from the door surface. If the plastic cover is damaged or torn, replace it.
Detach the rod fastener (A) from the outer handle.

Fig 2: Detaching Rod Fastener From Outer Handle
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
With a clip remover, disconnect the outer handle rod (A).

Fig 3: Disconnecting Outer Handle Rod
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Driver's side: Pull both side flanges (A) of the retainer (B) outward, and pull the middle flange area (C) of the outer casing cover (D) out, then disconnect the cylinder cable (E) from the latch.

Fig 4: Pulling Both Side Flanges Of Retainer Outward
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Remove the bolt, then remove the spacer (A).

Fig 5: Spacer And Bolt With Torque Specifications
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Remove the maintenance cap (A). Remove the bolt securing the outer handle protector (B), then remove the protector by releasing the hook (C).

Fig 6: Outer Handle Protector Bolt And Maintenance Cap With Torque Specifications
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
If necessary, cut a slot in each screwhead of the special screws with a saw, remove the special screws with a flat-tip screwdriver, then separate the door cylinder (A) and the outer handle protector (B). If the retainer (C) is damaged, release the hooks (D), and replace it.
NOTE: If removed, the special screws must be replaced.

Fig 7: Identifying Door Cylinder, Outer Handle Protector And Retainer
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
While pulling the outer handle (A), remove the handle from the holes in the door panel. Take care not to scratch the door.

Fig 8: Pulling Outer Handle
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 9: Removing Rod Fastener From Outer Handle
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Install the handle in the reverse order of removal, and note these items:
- Make sure that the actuator connector is plugged in properly, and that the cylinder cable and the outer handle rod are connected securely.
- Make sure the door key cylinder/door locks operate properly.
- Make sure the door handle works properly.
- When reinstalling the door panel, make sure the plastic cover is installed properly and sealed around its outside perimeter to seal out water.
- Push the clips, the pins, and the hooks into place securely.