Door handle problems (van, truck, replace, drivers)

[Bigg Mann]

My 1996 Ford conversion E 150 van has handle problems. Rear door handle cable broke and only opens from inside.

Now right front passenger handle did same. Worried drivers side is next.

Are these easy to fix myself or should Ford dealer do it? Also is it expensive?

I guess I should just call and find out but have been pushing my luck for last two months and doing nothing.

[automd]

actually replacing your door handle would require a lot of work like removing the door panel till you get to the door handle itself. It would cost you roughly around 15-20 bucks.

[bobman]

If you're practical at all, then changing a door handle should present no real problems.

Like the previous poster said, you will need to remove the trim panel, these are normally held on by a mix of clips, and screws.

Once you've got that off, you'll be able to see what you're doing.

If you're worried about breaking your own, then find a DIY breakers yard, where you remove the parts yourself, that'll give you a bit of practice.

Originally Posted by Bigg Mann

My 1996 Ford conversion E 150 van has handle problems. Rear door handle cable broke and only opens from inside.

Now right front passenger handle did same. Worried drivers side is next.

Are these easy to fix myself or should Ford dealer do it? Also is it expensive?

I guess I should just call and find out but have been pushing my luck for last two months and doing nothing.

[Coolhand68]

From my experience (EVERY American car/truck I've owned has had door handles snap off...Ford, Chevy, Dodge, Buick, Oldsmobile), it's a pain in the ass to replace them yourself. Especially in an older vehicle, because inevitably, a few clips will always snap off and you never get the panel back on the door the same way it was on their to begin with. Last time I had a GMC Jimmy, I think it cost me around $100 for parts and labor to have a mechanic do it, and it was worth it. By the way, lot's of mechanics hate diddling with car door handles, I spoke with several who wouldn't even bother. It's not complicated, just very tedious and frustrating.