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The handle broke on our 2000 Toyota Sienna minivan. To open the sliding door, we had to open the front door and reach around to the inside latch. Inconvenient, but we lived with it for a year. Why? The part is impossible to find except at the dealership, and they wanted $90, plus another $300 in labor to install it. Obviously, if it's that expensive, it must be a real hassle to replace, right?
Last week the rear handle also broke. And the dealership wanted another $390 for that one! Stupid plastic parts! But I found a website showing how to bolt the broken piece back together. It also showed exactly how to disassemble the door - only 3 nuts, 5 screws, and a few plastic clips.
A few hours and one trip to the hardware store later, and I had it fixed! Better than new!
"Surely," I said, "the sliding door can't be much harder!" Turns out, it's even easier! A grand total of three screws and one panel held on by plastic clips are all that separate you from a fully functioning handle.
This same procedure should work for any of the Siennas made around the same time.
Last week the rear handle also broke. And the dealership wanted another $390 for that one! Stupid plastic parts! But I found a website showing how to bolt the broken piece back together. It also showed exactly how to disassemble the door - only 3 nuts, 5 screws, and a few plastic clips.
A few hours and one trip to the hardware store later, and I had it fixed! Better than new!
"Surely," I said, "the sliding door can't be much harder!" Turns out, it's even easier! A grand total of three screws and one panel held on by plastic clips are all that separate you from a fully functioning handle.
This same procedure should work for any of the Siennas made around the same time.
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Signing UpStep 1Tools of the Trade
Tools:
- 10mm socket and wrench, for removing bolts and screws.
- Flat head screwdriver, wrapped in tape to protect the paint, for prying things apart.
- 3/16" (or thereabouts) socket. Size doesn't much matter, it's just a handy way to push out a plastic rivet.
- Flexible retracting grabber thing, for fishing the broken piece and any dropped tools or parts out from inside of the door. A willing 3-year-old accomplice with small hands, or a trained rat, might make this unnecessary.
- Clamp, for holding the pieces until the glue cures.
- Utility knife, for scraping off the excess glue.
Consumables:
- Adhesive. I used Locktite's Sumo glue. You could use Gorilla Glue, JB Weld, or epoxy. Something thick is handy here; super glue probably won't cut it.
- Small rod of some kind. I cut the head off a bolt. A large ringshank nail or even a wooden dowel might suffice.
- 10mm socket and wrench, for removing bolts and screws.
- Flat head screwdriver, wrapped in tape to protect the paint, for prying things apart.
- 3/16" (or thereabouts) socket. Size doesn't much matter, it's just a handy way to push out a plastic rivet.
- Flexible retracting grabber thing, for fishing the broken piece and any dropped tools or parts out from inside of the door. A willing 3-year-old accomplice with small hands, or a trained rat, might make this unnecessary.
- Clamp, for holding the pieces until the glue cures.
- Utility knife, for scraping off the excess glue.
Consumables:
- Adhesive. I used Locktite's Sumo glue. You could use Gorilla Glue, JB Weld, or epoxy. Something thick is handy here; super glue probably won't cut it.
- Small rod of some kind. I cut the head off a bolt. A large ringshank nail or even a wooden dowel might suffice.
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Not only do folks send the buck, but they send improvements and wonderful Thank-you emails! (worth even more than money) Thanks everyone - and keep changing that oil! (Synthetic ONLY remember)
http://www.findonefindall.com/toyota-sienna/siennareardoor.htm
Here's some others from our site.
http://www.findonefindall.com/toyota-sienna/toyota_sienna_evap_P0446.htm
http://www.findonefindall.com/toyota-sienna/toyota_knock_sensor.htm
There are many more there, plus some useful pictures.