How to Replace Front Outside Door Handle 98-11 Mercury Grand Marquis
Difficulty: Advanced · About 120 min · Mercury Grand Marquis
Replace the front exterior door handle on a 1998–2011 Mercury Grand Marquis by drilling out the original rivets and fastening the replacement securely.
Tools you will need
- Phillips screwdriver
- Flat blade screwdriver
- Trim panel tool
- Hammer and center punch
- Drill with 3/8 inch bit
- Rivet gun and rivets
- Painter's tape
Parts and supplies
- Front exterior door handle
- Replacement rivets or suitable fasteners
Steps
- Remove the door panel
Unplug the window switch and other panel wiring, remove the pull and handle trim screws, and release the door panel clips. Disconnect remaining wiring and carefully peel back the water shield.
- Access the exterior handle
Move the interior accessory panel as needed to reach the handle rods, disconnecting the speaker, motor, and actuator wiring. Release the latch and lock rods from their retainers.
- Remove the old handle
Raise the window and secure it with tape so it cannot drop. Remove the two handle rivets by center-punching and drilling them carefully, then withdraw the handle and release its lock rod.
- Install the replacement handle
Connect the lock rod to the replacement handle and position the handle in the door. Secure it with appropriate rivets and a rivet tool, or compatible fasteners designed for this mounting point, then reconnect the latch rod.
- Restore the accessory panel
Remove the window support tape and lower the window carefully. Reconnect the speaker, window motor, and lock actuator, align the regulator components, and secure the accessory panel and water shield.
- Reinstall trim and test
Reconnect the door panel wiring and press the panel clips into place. Reinstall the panel screws and trim, then test both handles, the lock, and window operation.
Check your vehicle’s repair manual for exact specifications and fit.