I can't figure out how to remove the door handles, is there anyone here who has actually removed them? I have looked at the instructions in the service manual but fail to understand how the procedure listed there actually gets the handles off the door. I can't even find the screw inside the hole to loosen even though I can shine a flashlight in there and see it. I believe the screw head is a #15 torx but i can't seem to get a screwdriver on it. Getting frustrated, I have three of these cars and have performed all the maintenance and repairs myself for the last 6 years but right now I am stumped. Any guidance would be greatly appreciated.

 

Look for the thread called ‘exterior door handle removal’.

 

The instructions in that thread are much more detailed than the service manual. Will retry tomorrow. Thanks 180.

 

Once you pull the weather stripping away from the door Shine Light in the hole you will see the screw( passenger side is left hand thread driver side right hand thread) it is a number four flat Allen head screw once you get that screw backed out(and the screw will fall out so be careful, once you get the screw backed out take the Allen wrench and just push on the screw while pulling on the small handle from the exterior of the door the small piece will come of the car ( once you get the small piece off either tape the threads of the screw because it will fall or you can find a nut that fits that screw and just leave it screwed to the car) the big long handle just wiggle it and pull towards you it will come off. yes those instructions suck and don't make no damn sense trust me I know. I went through this last week. Once you get the handles off the car remember to keep your windows down roll down a bit so you can reach in and open the door. If you want you can call me 404 452 9046. Mary Diaz

 

Other home projects were pressing so I was away from this project for a few days. After finding that the screw to the lock assembly is allen and not torx the driver door handle removal went fairly quickly. Moving to the pass door I could not got the allen wrench into the screw head. After trying for way too long I stuck my endoscope in the hole, and with the screw head straight ahead I noted the angle of the scope and matched it withe the allen driver and got that screw out. So both handles are off, finally. Thanks to all who provided good info and photos. The poor instructions I was using early on for this project caused me a lot of frustration. Now to get them and the windshield trim to the paint shop.

 

I'm glad you got them off. Poor instructions are so Frustrating.

 

Not mine, both are right hand threaded.

 

same here James; both right hand thread. I think that left hand thread is bad info from the service manual.