How To Replace Rear Interior Door Handle 98-02 Lincoln Town Car
Difficulty: Beginner · About 35 min · Lincoln Town Car
Replace the rear interior door handle on a 1998–2002 Lincoln Town Car by lifting the door trim, transferring the latch rod, and restoring the moisture barrier.
Tools you will need
- Flat Blade Screwdriver
- T20 Driver
- Phillips Head Screwdriver
- Painter's Tape
Parts and supplies
- Rear interior door handle
Steps
Remove the rear door panel
Switch off the ignition and raise the window. Lift the window-switch panel and unplug it, remove the Torx screws under the pull handle and the Phillips panel screws, then release the door clips and lift the panel upward. Peel the water shield back carefully.
Remove the old handle
Remove the Phillips screw from the handle, slide the handle rearward, and twist it off the latch rod. Check that the rod and surrounding clips are undamaged before fitting the replacement.
Install the replacement handle
Twist the new handle onto the latch rod and slide it forward into its seated position. Reinstall its Phillips retaining screw and operate the handle to confirm the latch rod moves freely.
Restore the water shield and trim
Return the water shield to its original position, using painter's tape to hold it temporarily if needed. Reconnect the window switch, hang the door panel on its upper edge, press in its clips, and reinstall the lock knob, pull handle, and screws.
Check your vehicle’s repair manual for exact specifications and fit.