2000 Sienna XLE: broken rear sliding door handle

[bpsmicro]

2000 Sienna XLE without power sliders but with power locks. The outside door handle on the left slider has been repaired once (small crack), but this time somebody (though, of course, everybody denies it) must have decided the door was "stuck" and ripped the entire door handle off. It's in several pieces now.

In theory, I could probably bend over and try to get a new door handle and replace it, but while I was removing the remnants of the old handle and taping up the holes (to prevent water getting inside the door for now), I noticed something else a bit weird, I can't open the door at all now!

The handle basically attaches to a cable, the other end of which goes down into the mechanism. I'd assumed that if I just pulled on the end of the cable a bit, the door would open for me, but it won't. The inside button doesn't do anything either. As near as I can tell the actual locking mechanism is locking/unlocking (I can see the parts moving in response). There's no rust or anything, so I'd almost suspect there's some sort of "interlock" that's preventing me from opening the door unless I do something specific.

If I knew that just buying a new handle and installing it (which may itself be a neat trick if I can't open the door to get the inside panels off), I wouldn't worry too much, but the van has 315000km on it so it's at that stage of its life where we have to make the old "fix or replace" decision. If there's something else broken in the locking mechanism, I'd expect it to cost a fortune to replace the parts, and may push it over the threshold.

Any thoughts?
Brad.

[NatronsMean]

I have the same situation, on a 2001 LE. Looks like the handle is $63.36, not too bad, so I am going to buy it. Tell me if you can find that piece of plastic cheaper anywhere.

Anyway, the part is different between manual and power locks, so maybe the handle does something special...

[NatronsMean]

Success - replacement took about an hour, including babysitting 2 kids.
There are 10 white clips and a screw in the cupholder holding the interior panel on. Used a putty knife and screwdriver wrapped in masking tape to pry it off. Peal back the plastic, unbolt the old handle, unclip the wire, put the new one on, duct tape plastic back, clip panel back, screw cupholder back - you need a phillips wratchet driver - no way you fit a screw driver in there...

Here's the pics...

[NatronsMean]

two more pics

[moontowers06]

Mine just broke yesterday. After using a ratchet drive to remove the screw, I discovered that the cupholder pops off so a regular screwdriver or drill can be used. But I have a 2001, don't know if that makes a difference. The part cost me $95! Could only get it from the dealer, no one else stocked it. Stinks! I will install it tonite and let you know how it goes. Last year I had to fix the rear door handle using a method I found online in which a screw is inserted into the broken pieces and held together. Took an hour, but I did not have to buy a handle for it. I wish that same guy had a fix for the sliding doors! I cannot believe Toyota has not replaced plastic, high use handles with something more durable...I guess that is why the new vans have remote electronic entry. I would hate to see the price on replace one of those motors!

[devonick]

Hi,

Same situation here with a 98 Sienna XLE. Has anyone bought this part on line, and if so, does anyone know what the part number is?

Thanks
David

[Rebecca]

I have a 2002 Sienna and my son broke my handle trying to open the door when it was locked. I went to the body shop and they ordered it for me, $70.00. Didn't check dealer price, they are 50 miles away!