How to Replace an Interior Door Handle

Replacing a car's interior door handle can significantly enhance both the functionality and aesthetic appeal of your vehicle's cabin. A broken or malfunctioning door handle can compromise safety and convenience, making it essential to address this issue promptly. Learn how to replace a car's interior door handle with our detailed video and step-by-step instructions that can provide the confidence and knowledge needed to perform this repair. Our step-by-step video explains how to replace an interior door handle on a 2006 Honda Accord LX and procedures may vary, so consult your vehicle’s service manual before beginning your repairs. Whether you're a DIY enthusiast or simply looking to save on repair costs, O’Reilly Auto Parts is here to help with information, resources, and the parts you need to make a complete repair.

Interior Door Handle Replacement Tools & Materials

Safety Glasses Safety Glasses

Nitrile Gloves Gloves

Door Handle Interior Handle

Plastic Trim Tools Trim Tool

Flathead Screwdriver Flathead Screwdriver

Step-By-Step Instructions on Replacing an Interior Door Handle

Remove Your Window Control Panel, Door Panel and Grab-Handle Panel

A two-image split of a Honda Accord is parked in our DIY garage and our expert uses a trim tool to pry off the window control panel and disengage a wiring harness.

Step 1: Remove the Window Control Panel

Use a trim tool to gently pry off the panel around the window controls. Once the control panel is free, disengage any wiring harnesses connecting the panel to the door.
Show More Show Less
A three-image split of gloved hands using a screwdriver to remove the inside door handle panel and the grab-handle panel.

Step 2: Remove the Door Panel and Grab-Handle Panel

Use a small flathead screwdriver or pick to remove the panel on the inside of the door handle. Remove the fasteners from behind that panel. Use your tool to remove the panel from inside the grab-handle of the door. Remove the fasteners from behind that panel.

Do It Right: If you’re replacing the door handle in a front door, you may need to remove a panel from the inside of your side mirror as well.

Show More Show Less

Remove Your Interior Door Panel

In two images, our expert uses the trim tool to pry and remove the door panel from the door structure.

Step 3: Pry the Interior Door Panel

Now you should be able to use your trim tool to pry the whole interior door panel from the door itself. Use caution when the panel comes loose as there are still wires connecting the panel to the door.
Show More Show Less

Remove Your Old Handle

Gloved hands disconnect the door handle cable inside the Honda’s door structure.

Step 4: Disengage the Door Handle Cable

Disengage the rod or cable to the door handle from the bracket securing it and the catch keeping its end in place at the handle. If there’s a light in the door, you’ll also need to disengage the bulb and any fasteners securing the wire to the panel.
Show More Show Less
The door panel is laid on a workbench with the structural inside facing up. Our expert uses a tool to remove the old door handle.

Step 5: Remove the Door Panel and Handle

Once all connecting wires are detached, remove the door panel and set it with the back or inside of the panel face-up on a table or workbench.

Now detach the door handle from the panel. Ours has three tabs we’ll press in to disengage them then lower the handle through the opening in the panel.
Show More Show Less

Install Your New Handle

A new door handle is installed on the Honda sedan.

Step 6: Install Your New Handle

Lift your new replacement handle up through the opening from the bottom. Snap the handle’s tabs into place and test the handle to make sure it’s properly secured.
Show More Show Less
In two images, our expert reinstalls the door panel and any wiring that was disconnected earlier.

Step 7: Reinstall the Door Panel

Move the door panel into position near the door. Reattach any wires you detached for removal, starting with the bulb and its wire, if your door has a courtesy light. Feed the wiring harness for the window controls up through its opening.
Show More Show Less
The Honda’s door cable is reinstalled to its original place.

Step 8: Reinstall Door Cable

Reinstall the cable to the door handle by inserting its end at the handle securing it with the catch then sliding it into the bracket to hold it in place.
Show More Show Less
In two images, our expert makes sure the door lock goes through the opening, and secures the door panel.

Step 9: Secure the Door Panel

Start at the top of the panel, making sure the door lock slips through its opening and pressing the top edge into place at the window. When the top edge is properly seated, the tabs along the sides of the panel should align with openings on the door. Gently tap the tabs into place along the sides and the bottom of the panel. Make sure the panel is securely fastened all the way around.
Show More Show Less
In two images, the fastener covers for the door handle and grab-handle are reinstalled and secured.

Step 10: Reinstall the Necessary Vehicle Parts

Reinstall the trim piece from the inside of your mirror, if applicable. Reinstall the fasteners you removed from behind the new door handle and press their cover back into place. Reinstall the fasteners behind the grab-handle of the door and replace the cover.
Show More Show Less
In three images, the window control wiring harness is reconnected and the switch is snapped back in place. Our expert tests the new handle to make sure it works properly.

Step 11: Reconnect the Window Controls

Reconnect the wiring harness or harnesses to the window controls. Snap the window switch bezel back into place, making sure it’s seated all the way around.

Check the new door handle to make sure it’s working correctly and moves freely.
Show More Show Less

Additional Resources

tools in tool box drawer

The Best Tools for New (and Seasoned) DIY Mechanics
For Sale Sign in Red Vehicle

What Paperwork Do I Need to Sell My Car?
Dashboard Warning Lights

Dashboard Warning Lights