Front passenger door handle removal for painting
 

I have a 2011 ES 350 that I’m prepping for paint and can’t seem to figure out how to remove the front door handle. I also have been unable to find any information on how to do so specific to the ES.
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.clu...26d3fff98.jpeg
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.clu...6a7373a4e.jpeg
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.clu...861079bcc.jpeg
Any help would be appreciated.

Here’s what I’ve done so far:
1. Removed interior door panel
2. Removed torx screw from door jam side
3. Removed handle cover (small)
4. Unplugged proximity sensor

One other thread said that the door handle should simply slide back and out at this point, but it’s not working for me. I know the IS has some kind of yellow lever that has to be flipped, but it doesn’t appear to be the same design with the ES.

??? Thx!

maybe this will help around sec 26; also included the install pdf which may provide additional insight

BIG THANKS nevernu for the PDFs, however, I didn’t see a link to the video?

lol sorry the install pdf is 05.pdf not a video. it details the procedure to reinstall the stuff whereas the 03.pdf gives instruction on how to uninstall it all. sometimes something thats unclear in one become obvious in the other.

Lol. Thanks again. Would you happen to have the instructions available for the rear handles as well?

rear door as requested

You just saved me from throwing a screwdriver across the shop! Thanks again nevernu.

Fyi. If anyone is following this thread, don’t get confused by front door handle removal instructions for other models or generations you may find on the web.

On the 5th gen ES there is one retaining screw holding the front handle in that is not mentioned in any other source I’ve found except for the diagrams provided by nevernu. It’s located at the front of the handle bracket and can be accessed through a small hole in the door panel. See pics


https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.clu...e08102571b.jpg

Need your help
 

Hey nevernu, I saw your response on how to remove the door handle and was wondering if you were able to offer any guidance to me. I have a 2007 es350 with every option and a car drove down my drivers side scraping all the panels. I found replacement doors and I was wondering if I needed any special software or anything to replace them since they have keyless entry. I have lots of tools and the handles are fine, I just plan on replacing the front left fender, drivers door, and left passenger door but I don't see any guides on taking the actual doors off for an exterior swap and your pdfs looked super helpful. Any advice would be appreciated.

maybe these will help. let me know if you need bumper stuff

You're the greatest! I should be fine on the fender since it should just be bolts I can find access too. The one question I have before I start is in pdf 4 where it talks about initialization, what that entails. I plan on swapping all the hardware from my door onto the replacement shell and wondered if it will all just work when things are plugged back in or not. The handles of the doors on my car now are fine and undamaged and I want to use the keys I already have.