How to Replace Rear Passenger Exterior Door Handle 98-11 Ford Ranger
Difficulty: Advanced · About 35 min · Ford Ranger
Replace the rear passenger exterior door handle on a 1998–2011 Ford Ranger by drilling out its rivets, transferring both handle cables, and securing the new handle with rivets.
Tools you will need
- Rivet Gun & Rivets
- Drill Bit Set
- Drill
Parts and supplies
- Rear passenger exterior door handle
- Replacement rivets
Steps
Drill out the handle rivets
Open the rear door and protect the surrounding paint and trim. Carefully drill through the two handle rivets using a bit sized for the rivet heads; stop once the heads release to avoid enlarging the door mounting holes. Remove the handle and clear away metal debris.
Disconnect both handle cables
Release the cable retainer clips and slide the cable collars off their guides. Unhook both cable ends from the old handle, noting which cable attaches to each position so the latch functions are not crossed.
Connect the cables to the new handle
Attach each cable end to its matching point on the replacement handle. Seat the cable collars in their guides and lock the retaining clips fully, then pull each cable gently to confirm it is captured and moves freely.
Rivet the handle into place
Position the replacement handle over the door holes and align it flush. Install the specified replacement rivets with a compatible rivet gun, confirming each is fully set. Operate the handle and latch several times with the door open before closing it.
Check your vehicle’s repair manual for exact specifications and fit.