2001 Toyota Echo Logo
Posted on Aug 15, 2008

Toyota ECHO REAR DOOR HANDLE problem

My TOYOTA ECHO SEDAN has a strange problem with it's REAR DOOR HANDLES. They are operating properly (I can open the door when handle is pulled. The door handle returns back when hand is released.)

However, the problem with it is that the handle does not return back completely to the original position but only three-fourths way back in. This means the door handles remain popping out of the door all the time.

If you need a picture of how the door handle looks, I will send it with your reply.

Please advise how the door handle can be fixed in a cost effective way.

Thanks for your support.

  • Anonymous May 12, 2009

    2000 Toyota echo coup passenger door works and it locks fine, but the handle does not return to its normal position. The handle remains ¾ the way out. Does anyone have a solution?

  • nirajkapadia Nov 18, 2009

    I am still waiting for a solution to the problem with the door handle not returning to original position - where and how can we get it fixed and how much will it cost?

    As per HOMEINVEST suggestion, the plastic that holds on to the sprint is broken - where can i get the plastic part ?

    Please post reply....



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Stephen Sywak

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  • Posted on Dec 08, 2009
Stephen Sywak
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I have this same problem, and I removed the interior door fascia to examine the cause.
As mentioned, the moving, plastic part of the door handle has a recess that houses the return spring. Under stress (under too little stress, if you ask me), part of that plastic that surrounds the spring ruptures (tears), and the spring can no longer exert sufficient force to get the handle to retract flush against the car.
There is no way to fic that plastic part--you have to replace the entire handle. Searching for "Toyota Echo Door Handle" will find you a number of on-line sites that sell BLACK handles for under $7.00! The dealer wants something like $50-$70 for an OEM part, with the right color.
I have the service manual, and replacing these things is a *****! You have to use a TORX bit to remove the actual latch in the door, to get it out of the way.
There isn't actually any fixed linkage between the handle and the interior latch mechanism. When you pull the handle up enough, a plastic cam on the handle strikes a metal lever within the car door, forcing the latch to release the steel hoop. So once you can ACCESS the handle, swapping it out looks straightforward. The problem is, accessing it is a pain. Make sure you have a magnetic grabber handy for the hardware!
I have yet to find a cheap source for SILVER handles on the Internet (none of the Internet Junkyards have responded).

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  • Posted on Jul 26, 2018
Steve Seiter
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Pull it out and zip tie it! Still has flex but the spring no longer pops out. Use metal zip ties so they dont break
Toyota ECHO REAR DOOR HANDLE problem - 7_26_2018_11_40_15_pm.jpg

  • Peter Schuhmacher
    Peter Schuhmacher Aug 04, 2018

    Absolutely on the money Steve. I was lucky enough to be able to apply the zip ties with the handle still in the door of the car. Just pushed the spring back into the shaped clip at the front, then the rest into the holder as in your picture. Zip tie pushed down the back from the top. Zip and done. Two for good measure. Thanks for pointing me in the right direction.

  • Ucrop Ollecram
    Ucrop Ollecram Mar 17, 2020

    Excellent thanks for that! Will give it a go

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  • Posted on Sep 04, 2008
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I found that the plastic that hold on to the spring was broken.

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Jaguar 2000-06 - Locks & Lock Systems
Power Door Locks - Removal & Installation

Door Lock Switch
Door Lock Diagnosis & Testing

  1. Visually inspect the following:
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  2. If an obvious cause for an observed or reported concern is found, correct the cause (if possible) before proceeding to the next step.

Door Lock Motor
Coupe And Convertible
  1. Turn ignition key to position II.
  2. Motor door glass to fully raised position.
  3. Turn ignition key to position O.
  4. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
  5. Remove door casing for access.
  6. Remove door water shedder.
  7. Position PVC secondary water shedder for access.
  8. Slacken and remove the door glass rear runner lower securing screws.
  9. Reposition door glass rear runner. Mark the position of the glass rear runner upper securing screw.
  10. Slacken and remove the upper securing screw and move the runner away from the glass.
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  13. Remove latch motor harness multiplug from mounting bracket and disconnect multiplug.
  14. Release operating cable from door handle. Move inner door handle to the locked position. Remove operating cable outer abutment from support bracket. Disconnect cable inner from door inner handle.
  15. Remove lock motor assembly from door.
  16. To install, reverse removal procedure.

    zjlimited_378.jpg

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Sedan
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  9. Remove the front door actuator and exterior handle.
  10. Disconnect the front door actuator remote cable.
  11. Detach the door lock cylinder connecting rod (1).
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  13. Remove the front door actuator (3).
  14. To install, reverse removal procedure.

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    Fig. Removing door lock motor-Sedan



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