Ed, I felt your pain. Much appreciated. I could not of done this without your help. It was your honesty about how much of a pain it was that kept me going. Had you been one of those squeaky clean got it done in 5 min youtubers, I would have given up and spent a fortune at the shop. Again, thank you!
I told my wife I was going to fix the handle with the help of a CZcams video and she freaked. Thanks to this amazing video I got it all fixed up and saved a lot of money by not bringing it to the dealership! Great informative video!
I have a 2008 same issue. Great video by the way very useful. One tip I would add would be to take the window out very simple. Lower window almost all the way down but leave slightly up. 1. Remove the long skinny inner molding that the panel sits on 2.remove 4 speaker screws can pretty much do by hand. 3.Loosen 10mm window screws at the bottom of window regulator. Might have to raise window a bit to line up with speaker. Small white squares. No need to take them out just loosen. 4. Slide window up and angle it as it comes out. This makes much easier to work with handle.
Thank you , going take your advice as with window in , it REALLY looks like a pain in the ass. Also this doesn’t look like a 20 minute job either thanks for the heads up about the window Justin
2008 Ford Focus sedan SES Same exact thing happened to me. Three hours of my life and fifty bucks. That's what it took learning from you. You saved me a load of $$. You have a subscriber for life thank you for this!
Just saved me 220 dollars. Repair cost by autoshop was $220 for a single handle. Fixed it myself for 30 bucks total all thanks to this video. Your the best dude.
Just did this repair, thanks, great video. One suggestion. Move the rail that the power window uses. Once this is moved over the screw is simple to get to. To move the rail, it is just 2 bolts, and you have to loosen the clamp that hold window in place.
This video is exactly what I needed. I have to admit that after watching, I'm sitting here wondering if I should just take it to the dealer. Looks like a major PIA.
@@condolence1567 taking the glass out is super easy and you can get right to it. Two metric 10 bolts hold window in and rubber window-felt strip at top of door panel to take window out. Then its a 10 min job.
I did this job and once you get window out, there are two torqx screws holding it in. Also there are two locking rods running down from it, one has plastic clip to unsnap and the other will come out with handle. You will have to take latch out as well, but only far enough to unhook second rod, There is a small prong to release right at handle on inside on the right. Then it's free to come out. Sounds like a lot but it isn't.
I did this today and learned that there is no need to take out the window or work to get out the screw behind the window. Once you get the screw from the left and remove the outside handle and key lock cover, go ahead and unscrew the latch (3 screws on the side of the door). Now when you put your hand in, slide the handle bracket to the right (towards the front of the car) and it comes right out. Notice on the outside of the door the channel next to the white plastic piece. Take it all out like a spider and replace the bracket. Once you have it all together, make sure you screw the screw on the white piece all the way in before re-installing. When you are ready, the white piece go in first and slide it to the left (towards the back of the car), then adjust the lock, screw the latch back on and go back to screw the screw on the left of the bracket (the one by the cylinder). Finish assembling back the door panel and that is it.
This was a great help, a few things I tried from combining multiple other videos that really helped. I removed the windo which only took a few minutes, then those bolts were very accessible. I also removed the door latch and it all came out as an assembly, then you don’t have to deal with the linkage issue up inside the door.
Excellent video. Answered all my questions. I couldn't have done this fix without your video. One addition. I wasn't able to budge that screw behind the glass in those tight quarters. So I removed 3 more bolts to the vertical bar and hardware that attaches to the glass near the center of the door panel. That allowed me to move the hardware enough to be able to get a straight screwdriver into that screw to remove it. I wasn't hard to remove that hardware or put back together. It was also easier to remove/replace the door handle with that moved. The window works just fine and it's good to have the door handle working again. Thanks again. Great job!
Dude you are a lifesaver!!! This video helped like crazy. I removed my window and it made it a lot easier. And just take your time on it and don’t break more stuff than you need to. Other than that, this is not too hard to do!
Thanks for the help here! I just finished this job. For what it's worth, you do not need to loosen the pain in the ass screw behind the window to complete this job (the right screw). It holds a tab and that tab can stay attached to remove. Same for installing the new fixture--screw it in prior to installation.
Yes, Yes, Yes, you do NOT need to remove the FRONT SCREW!!!. Just a little tap with a screwdriver towards the front of the car will do it. Otherwise a great video, thank you so much.
My car did the same thing my front door started first now my back door won't open both inside and out I've watched both of your videos now my husband can get both my doors fixed we own a 2008 Ford focus
Thank you so much for this video!!!! It was ON POINT. We ended up temporarily removing the window for the replacement. All in all it took about 4 hours and it was CLUTCH. Wow I feel so accomplished. Thank you for this teaching video!! You rock!
My handle completely broke off a few weeks ago and I have automatic lock on. The whole handle came off… I stopped somewhere and left my car running so all my doors were locked except the drivers door and I shut the door without rolling the window down and locked myself out, luckily a pair of needle nose pliers in the door grabbed the switch and opened it. I just ordered a new handle and I’m going to use your video to get it fixed. No more making sure the windows down to open the darn door 😂
Thanks a lot! My granddaughter and I followed your two videos and fixed her 2008 Fusion. That screw that gave you so much trouble doesn't have to come out! It only holds the plastic slider in place. You can adjust it before putting the piece in! Also there is a second rod that NO ONE talks about! We had to attach the bottom first then the top just before seating the new inside handle piece.
Lydia Jones: thanks for the comment! We simply snapped off the white piece and the part came out easily! We hit a problem with that second rod as well, it took us a few tries to get it reconnected. Im still not sure the plastic overlay piece is positioned correctly.
Thank you so much! Very clear, well articulated and helpful. I think it already has been mentioned several times but I ended up taking the glass out which was very easy. I also took the latch and the handle reinforcement out as a complete assembly with all the rods attached. It was much easier to then remove the rods and replace with the new reinforcement and install back in as a complete assembly. Again with the glass out. Thanks again!
For anyone attempting this, it's not as bad as it looks. My son and I actually got the door hand base out easily by using a hammer and flathead screwdriver on the white part one it was exposed and the other screw was out. Easy peasy. One thing to look out for was the "magical" part at 13:47. It was very difficult to get off and even harder to get back in. Mine was partially held in with a zip tie (probably factory) and if you don't route the metal rod through the plastic eyelet correctly, the window WILL rub against the plastic of this part! Take pictures!
Just finished doing this on my 2010. Thank you for the video. TIP: It is SO much easier to remove and reinstall the assembly if you just unplug the cable and 3 bolts holding the door latch on. Then you can just remove the whole thing (door handle assembly and latch) as one piece and then on the driveway or bench unhook the linkages and reassemble it.
I've been sitting on the new part for 5 months. I have replaced way to many door components over the years and absolutely dread fixing it. With that being said I'm to old to be reaching in from the back door to open the front door anymore. I may just remove the glass to make it easier, great video.
Just finished this job. Thanks for the video! I recommend removing the window glass. I found another video showing how. Lossen two 10mm bolts and it slides right out. Very easy. Also, as someone else mentioned - you don't have to remove the front screw, but if you take the window out it's easy to get at anyway. The part he had to break with the tin snips, it can be popped out of the rest of the assembly using a flat head screwdriver. I removed mine from the new one and then after I had the metal rod inserted into it and the lock assembly in place I snapped it back in place. That wasn't the easiest maneuver. Ended up pushing it in with a socket wrench head and extension as I couldn't get enough force with my fingers. Took me 3 hours, but would have been quicker had I not been missing one of the Torx bits I needed.
I just finished replacing mine and your video was very helpful but I have some recommendations to make it MUCH MUCH easier. After removing the interior door panel and pulling back the plastic cover plug the window controller back in and lower the window until the bolts that hold the window are aligned with holes in the door (about 1/2 way down). With the window out, the two screws shown in the video are much easier to get out because they line up with holes in the door. Remove the two screws that hold the handle on and then remove the three screws that hold the lash into the side of the door and bring the whole assembly outside of the door. Now it will be much easier to separate the old handle from the latch andto pop the lock out. The two big recommendations here are take out the window and take out the entire latch assembly and handle out of the door.
Thanks for the video. You helped me out a lot. Now I have to decide if I want to fix it myself or pay a mechanic $125. The part is $35. My piece broke exactly like yours did. It is a good idea for all Focus owners to lubricate the door hinge and rods at the top and bottom. Mine was sticking to where the rod wouldn't open the hinge, even when pulled on directly. PB Nutbuster cleared it right up. That mechanism isn't strong, attracts rust and I'm suspecting the extra force needed to push down the rod eventually breaks the piece you replaced. When I fix this I'm going to pull the passenger side apart and lubricate it before the same thing happens.
I won't lie i was stoked about finding a video on how to do this because this is exactly my problem but now i think I'll just take it into a shop and have someone else do it.
I tackled this by myself because of your video and it was a success! ( after a big pain in the ass LOL ) but at least you prepared me for that. Thank you very much sir
Thank you so much. I broke the window adjustment before I found this video but ever time I was stuck I fast forwarded and found it in the video. It's fixed but that crappy screw on the handle is still loose. Forget that one.
Thanks for the video. Daughter has a 2009 Focus with this issue. You inspired me when you said "I'm about ready to kill someone" cuz that's how I was feeling at times. Glad we have people like you that can provide support to people who still don't mind getting dirty hands.
I just did this same exact job on a 2009 Ford Focus. I found it much easier to remove the window from the door in order to get the second screw out of the bracket. The window is only held in by 2 10mm bolts. All in all this job took me a total of an hour and 4 minutes.
Very helpful, but I found it easier to just remove the window glass. There are two bolts that you loosen and then the window pulls right out. Then you can access that second screw pretty easily with a swivel bit holder. And like others have noted: just loosen it a bit and slide the assembly out!
I just had to replace mine as well (I used a Dorman model 926-324), and I found that using small T20 allen wrench made accessing the hard to reach screw much easier. If you lay with your back on the ground and look directly up you can see what you are doing and access that area "fairly" easily. But removing the window and latch assembly may make it much easier. I did not remove them because I could not find any information on how to get them off and back on. I struggled quite a bit with getting the two rods into the loops while also having the replacement part fit into the plastic bracket. I did not remove the plastic bracket because I did not see how I could ever re-attach it. The important steps that made it possible for me to do this was making sure that the rod that connects to the key lock is in the proper position, and lubricating the rod ends and plastic loops.
Video was helpful but I found that there are two ways to easily remove that inner panel. 1. You could slide that panel to the right to remove. Just make sure the key hole is slightly moved out of its place in the door to allow sliding that inner panel. Looking on the outside of the door, there is a little piece of yellow/white plastic holding that inner panel to the door. Just slide it out of its hole and the inner panel will be free. 2. My replacement panel came with that little yellow/white plastic, so it would be easier to break off the head of the old one in the door to free that inner handle panel. These two options will make the job way easier.
This video helped me tremendously on my car today. I don't have power windows so I didn't have a couple of the steps, but had to do a different step, but same otherwise
This video was a lifesaver....But this damn handle was an absolute nightmare!!!!!That freaking screw!!!! I cussed so much....My neighbor came outside and was wondering what the heck I was doing all day...
Great video thanks Removing the door latch will drop the latch and inner part of the handle off Making it easier . Hope the comment helps someone. I needed the door panel part of the video thanks again
Thank you. I have had to do this twice now on my daughters car. What a design failure. Added tip. When removing the inside door handle, just clip off the plastic tab. The new unit comes with a new tab
Thanks for this video I have a 2008 black Ford Focus just like the one in the video and my door handle broke I got the part I'm going to use your video to take it apart and put it back together cool man thanks again
Thank you for the video! OMG this was crazy, what dummy on crack decided to put the screw behind the window and no room to turn it! I will make you test your Christianity for sure LOL...just wish you would have shown a couple of more parts,BUT you done an awesome AMAZING fantastic job with only one hand! 👊💯 much respect and thanks again!
To get easy access to the screw behind the window, just remove the window, theres 2 bolts that clamp the window to the window regulator, one bottom left and the other behind and to the right of the speaker. Once loose just pull the window up and out.
@RepairED appreciate your effort to show us how fix this trouble, I know that is very difficult make an video and work at same time with only one hand... realliy thank you.
Great video. Thanks.TIP....If you unscrew the 3 bolts by the latching mechanism, it makes taking the door handle off and puting it back on a lot easier....locking needle pliers with a T20 bit is a must also.
To remove the annoying screw, I'm unbolting the bolt the holds the window, on on the left side and one on the right side, then power the window down, window should stay and the window holders should slide down. Then remove the bracket holding the slider. And you got access to that screw. And I ended up removing the whole door locking mechanism on the side of the door and took it all out in one piece.
thank for video some pointers.....dont slide panel like that,,,push up to release the weather strip clip,,,also the handle slide toward the back to release if you pull like that you might brake the hook part of handle,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,if you remove the window glass it will make it so easy ,,,just two 10mm bolts,,,slide window out ,,,gives you tons of room.....
Currently feeling the wrath of the Focus. We bought a ratcheting screwdriver for that screw behind the glass and it’s STILL a pain in the hind end. 😣 Thanks for the video though. It’s definitely helped us a great deal.
Thank you Ed! I couldn't have figured this out without your help. And yes, it made me also want to curse or kill somebody but I didn't. XD We ended up taking the window out and moving the window rail down, but it was still very difficult.
I appreciate your video, but when you first went to try the handle near the end and cursed, I laughed out loud. That is SO ME. And you are SO RIGHT. Ford does NOTHING easy. If they could get away with designing your gas cap so you need a special tool to open it, they would do it. All of the Ford engineers should be forced to fix their own cars when they breakdown. Of course they probably drive a Lexus.
Thank you. My fix is a little different, but I needed the help figuring out how things came apart. I went and bought a tool to get at the screw that holds the lock surround. just over 5 bucks. Don't know if my fix will work yet, epoxy needs time to set up over night.
THANK YOU. And thank you to everyone that commented, because some comments helped too. Oh, on the part that was so tough to unscrew, you can knock the white plastic piece off instead (hammer and flathead as a chisel). You'll still have to screw it in once it's in place on the new part, but a smaller vice grip also helps.
LMMFAO.....YOU R AWESOME! watching your aggrevation ,totally turned my self-inflicted "WTF" experience into a "Hell Yeah" . I may not burn the car down afterall!!!! TY SO MUCH!!
The best way to solve the tool problem is to remove the glass. I had to do this and replace the window regulator at the same time so taking out the glass made removing the old reinforcement easy
Just an FYI. It is easier to do this job if you remove the door glass. Two 10mm head bolts to loosen and the glass slips out. Easier access to the screw behind the glass in this video. Thanks for the video.
Thank you for this upload. It was educational. I will use this video to help me replace my door handle, but I have a question. Do you know the item number for this kit? Also, what can you do if the key lock is damaged? I also need to replace the key fob.
Pretty good video. Wished you had had two people so I could’ve seen where your hands were when you were getting screws in and out. It still helped with other stuff though.
I just did this repair, it took me about an hour and 15 mins. The tips I saw here helped me. this is what I did. I raised the window so the two bolts that grip the window lined up with already existing holes, I loosened the bolts (not removed) the window the lifts right out. You will need to be careful removing the window and angle it as you lift, then take off the bolt for the left window rail that blocks the right hand screw on the door handle. once you remove that rail bolt you will be able to carefully move the rail the right, that will allow you to use the existing hole to loosen the screw on the right hand side of the handle. Honestly even with the window removed it's still challenging maneuvering since it's such a tight space and you don't have a lot of visibility but this should help a lot.
Dude you aren't the only one that hates Fords. I have had GM's all my life with a 1974 Ford Econoline my Dad left me, and now a 2008 Focus I picked up for $300.00. And yes my front doors wont open 98% of the time. You did such a great job of showing where all the tough spots are and how to get around them. From a retired ASE, & GM Goodwrench Certified Mechanic, THANK YOU!! Great Job!
Good job on instructions mate... (photographer tip )...could of used a reflector panel like white styrofoam to light up the whole door area but in anycase thanx for taking the time... i just finished the job in 3hours on a 2008 focus same driver door handle issue... that damn little screw is tough but removing the window gives better access and takes A LOT of pain and swearing away lol🤣... other then that its the rod that attaches to the doir latch that is tricky...and ya you get to swear at it there too 😂...tip ....put rod on door latch first then put new handle in the plastic frame just enough to bring the rod to the little hole then flip the handle over it so it can slide in... then latch frame to handle and carry on with attaching it to the door... easier said then done but it will save you cuts and frustrations... bottom line it was my girlfriend's focus and i am so happy not to own a ford focus...and it made me love my C30 volvo even more ... thx again for very helpful video 😎🙌🤘🤙💖
This is much much easier if you just take the whole assembly with the door latch off (3 torx 27 bolts, unplug the harness, remove yellow cable fastener) I'm willing to bet that' the factory installs the back side of the handle with the latch preassembled. Then you don't have to cut plastic or fight with the rods. Don't do it like this. I appreciate that you made a replacement video but you make it look harder than it really is.
I just followed this video and replaced the mechanism on a 2010 Focus. It is a two door. I highly recommend that you remove the door glass, or else would be very hard to replace the piece. Two ten MM bolts, one towards the back, and one towards the front. Don't remove the bolts all the way, just loosen to the point that glass can be removed. Take off the top weather strip on the door, or else you might have trouble. Slowly remove the glass towards the inside of the door. Then it will be very easy to do the fix. Good luck.
When you remove the panel and some of the plastic (carefully), there are certain holes that allow you to insert a socket wrench on an extension. An extension 6 to 10 inches will work. And yes, you have to lower the window. Reinstall the window controls without the panel, that will allow you to operate the window. Remove the top weather strip first, the one towards the inside of the car, NOT the one on the outside of the door. The inside weatherstrip will just pull off.
***PRO TIP: If you take the glass out, it will make the job 10x easier. There are just 2 - 10mm bolts holding the glass in place that are super easy to access thru the holes. Remove those 2 bolts and roll the regulator down and out of the way. You can also remove the bolt holding the window regulator in place and slide it out of the way to be able to access the 20 torx bolt with a simple extension. Extra 5-10 minutes of work saved me a major headache.
Wish me luck, I am going to do my Son's car Wednesday. I hope this video makes it go smoother for me. Ill update when I am done. I am also going to test Lydia's claim of not having to remove the " screw that brings murderous rage".
The urge to not even attempt this repair and just enter through the back door forever is very real....thank you soo much for the video
If you just pull the door handle down and then out it latches. I always have to pop a squat when I open my door
Ed, I felt your pain. Much appreciated. I could not of done this without your help. It was your honesty about how much of a pain it was that kept me going. Had you been one of those squeaky clean got it done in 5 min youtubers, I would have given up and spent a fortune at the shop. Again, thank you!
Taking glass out takes the PIA out. 10 min youtuber lol.
I told my wife I was going to fix the handle with the help of a CZcams video and she freaked. Thanks to this amazing video I got it all fixed up and saved a lot of money by not bringing it to the dealership! Great informative video!
I have a 2008 same issue. Great video by the way very useful. One tip I would add would be to take the window out very simple.
Lower window almost all the way down but leave slightly up.
1. Remove the long skinny inner molding that the panel sits on
2.remove 4 speaker screws can pretty much do by hand.
3.Loosen 10mm window screws at the bottom of window regulator. Might have to raise window a bit to line up with speaker. Small white squares. No need to take them out just loosen.
4. Slide window up and angle it as it comes out.
This makes much easier to work with handle.
Thank you , going take your advice as with window in , it REALLY looks like a pain in the ass. Also this doesn’t look like a 20 minute job either thanks for the heads up about the window Justin
I should have done this but it's together and I'll try it if I find I need to tighten that screw more.
So many people with the same issues, seems like a recall needs to happen.
it happens alot that the more popular videos diy for the fordfocus 2008-2011 is the door handle or headlights
Mine just broke after 280k miles lol
This literally just happened to me. I mean, it's a 13yo car, but damn.
not really. Recalling a 9 year old car (at the time of your comment) is also ridiculous
Mine was good for 13 years.
But 😭😭 finally handle broke. I WISH it had a keyhole on any other door!! Or Trunk.
2008 Ford Focus sedan SES
Same exact thing happened to me. Three hours of my life and fifty bucks. That's what it took learning from you. You saved me a load of $$. You have a subscriber for life thank you for this!
Just saved me 220 dollars. Repair cost by autoshop was $220 for a single handle. Fixed it myself for 30 bucks total all thanks to this video. Your the best dude.
Just did this repair, thanks, great video. One suggestion. Move the rail that the power window uses. Once this is moved over the screw is simple to get to. To move the rail, it is just 2 bolts, and you have to loosen the clamp that hold window in place.
This video is exactly what I needed. I have to admit that after watching, I'm sitting here wondering if I should just take it to the dealer. Looks like a major PIA.
Did you do it? And if so any tips?
@@condolence1567 taking the glass out is super easy and you can get right to it. Two metric 10 bolts hold window in and rubber window-felt strip at top of door panel to take window out. Then its a 10 min job.
I did this job and once you get window out, there are two torqx screws holding it in. Also there are two locking rods running down from it, one has plastic clip to unsnap and the other will come out with handle. You will have to take latch out as well, but only far enough to unhook second rod, There is a small prong to release right at handle on inside on the right. Then it's free to come out. Sounds like a lot but it isn't.
@@rodneycrawley6325 I want to try this but how did you actually take it out? just lift it out inwards or outwards?
I did this today and learned that there is no need to take out the window or work to get out the screw behind the window. Once you get the screw from the left and remove the outside handle and key lock cover, go ahead and unscrew the latch (3 screws on the side of the door). Now when you put your hand in, slide the handle bracket to the right (towards the front of the car) and it comes right out. Notice on the outside of the door the channel next to the white plastic piece. Take it all out like a spider and replace the bracket. Once you have it all together, make sure you screw the screw on the white piece all the way in before re-installing. When you are ready, the white piece go in first and slide it to the left (towards the back of the car), then adjust the lock, screw the latch back on and go back to screw the screw on the left of the bracket (the one by the cylinder). Finish assembling back the door panel and that is it.
What a ridiculous design for a door
This was a great help, a few things I tried from combining multiple other videos that really helped. I removed the windo which only took a few minutes, then those bolts were very accessible. I also removed the door latch and it all came out as an assembly, then you don’t have to deal with the linkage issue up inside the door.
Excellent video. Answered all my questions. I couldn't have done this fix without your video.
One addition. I wasn't able to budge that screw behind the glass in those tight quarters. So I removed 3 more bolts to the vertical bar and hardware that attaches to the glass near the center of the door panel. That allowed me to move the hardware enough to be able to get a straight screwdriver into that screw to remove it. I wasn't hard to remove that hardware or put back together. It was also easier to remove/replace the door handle with that moved. The window works just fine and it's good to have the door handle working again.
Thanks again. Great job!
Dude you are a lifesaver!!! This video helped like crazy. I removed my window and it made it a lot easier. And just take your time on it and don’t break more stuff than you need to. Other than that, this is not too hard to do!
Thanks a bunch for making this video! Made this job on my Focus way quicker than it would've been without this as a reference.
Thanks for the help here! I just finished this job. For what it's worth, you do not need to loosen the pain in the ass screw behind the window to complete this job (the right screw). It holds a tab and that tab can stay attached to remove. Same for installing the new fixture--screw it in prior to installation.
Thank god!
Yes, Yes, Yes, you do NOT need to remove the FRONT SCREW!!!. Just a little tap with a screwdriver towards the front of the car will do it. Otherwise a great video, thank you so much.
My car did the same thing my front door started first now my back door won't open both inside and out I've watched both of your videos now my husband can get both my doors fixed we own a 2008 Ford focus
Thank you so much for this video!!!! It was ON POINT. We ended up temporarily removing the window for the replacement. All in all it took about 4 hours and it was CLUTCH. Wow I feel so accomplished. Thank you for this teaching video!! You rock!
My handle completely broke off a few weeks ago and I have automatic lock on. The whole handle came off…
I stopped somewhere and left my car running so all my doors were locked except the drivers door and I shut the door without rolling the window down and locked myself out, luckily a pair of needle nose pliers in the door grabbed the switch and opened it.
I just ordered a new handle and I’m going to use your video to get it fixed. No more making sure the windows down to open the darn door 😂
Thanks a lot! My granddaughter and I followed your two videos and fixed her 2008 Fusion. That screw that gave you so much trouble doesn't have to come out! It only holds the plastic slider in place. You can adjust it before putting the piece in! Also there is a second rod that NO ONE talks about! We had to attach the bottom first then the top just before seating the new inside handle piece.
Lydia Jones: thanks for the comment! We simply snapped off the white piece and the part came out easily! We hit a problem with that second rod as well, it took us a few tries to get it reconnected. Im still not sure the plastic overlay piece is positioned correctly.
Thank you so much! Very clear, well articulated and helpful. I think it already has been mentioned several times but I ended up taking the glass out which was very easy. I also took the latch and the handle reinforcement out as a complete assembly with all the rods attached. It was much easier to then remove the rods and replace with the new reinforcement and install back in as a complete assembly. Again with the glass out. Thanks again!
For anyone attempting this, it's not as bad as it looks. My son and I actually got the door hand base out easily by using a hammer and flathead screwdriver on the white part one it was exposed and the other screw was out. Easy peasy.
One thing to look out for was the "magical" part at 13:47. It was very difficult to get off and even harder to get back in. Mine was partially held in with a zip tie (probably factory) and if you don't route the metal rod through the plastic eyelet correctly, the window WILL rub against the plastic of this part! Take pictures!
Just finished doing this on my 2010. Thank you for the video.
TIP: It is SO much easier to remove and reinstall the assembly if you just unplug the cable and 3 bolts holding the door latch on. Then you can just remove the whole thing (door handle assembly and latch) as one piece and then on the driveway or bench unhook the linkages and reassemble it.
I had this part break a little over a week ago and with this video I was able to handle the replacement myself!
Great video, much appreciated your detail and the difficulties you will run into when doing this repair
OMG - thank you for your detailed video.. gonna try myself now. glad i watched!!
I've been sitting on the new part for 5 months. I have replaced way to many door components over the years and absolutely dread fixing it. With that being said I'm to old to be reaching in from the back door to open the front door anymore. I may just remove the glass to make it easier, great video.
Just finished this job. Thanks for the video! I recommend removing the window glass. I found another video showing how. Lossen two 10mm bolts and it slides right out. Very easy. Also, as someone else mentioned - you don't have to remove the front screw, but if you take the window out it's easy to get at anyway. The part he had to break with the tin snips, it can be popped out of the rest of the assembly using a flat head screwdriver. I removed mine from the new one and then after I had the metal rod inserted into it and the lock assembly in place I snapped it back in place. That wasn't the easiest maneuver. Ended up pushing it in with a socket wrench head and extension as I couldn't get enough force with my fingers. Took me 3 hours, but would have been quicker had I not been missing one of the Torx bits I needed.
link to the video to remove window plaese?
I just finished replacing mine and your video was very helpful but I have some recommendations to make it MUCH MUCH easier. After removing the interior door panel and pulling back the plastic cover plug the window controller back in and lower the window until the bolts that hold the window are aligned with holes in the door (about 1/2 way down). With the window out, the two screws shown in the video are much easier to get out because they line up with holes in the door. Remove the two screws that hold the handle on and then remove the three screws that hold the lash into the side of the door and bring the whole assembly outside of the door. Now it will be much easier to separate the old handle from the latch andto pop the lock out. The two big recommendations here are take out the window and take out the entire latch assembly and handle out of the door.
^THIS
how do you separate the inside door plastic thing from the whole lock mechanism
the one that opens the inside door
I just wanted to say thanks for sharing this video. My sons door handle just broke and this video was very helpful in replacing the defective part.
Thanks for the video. You helped me out a lot. Now I have to decide if I want to fix it myself or pay a mechanic $125. The part is $35. My piece broke exactly like yours did. It is a good idea for all Focus owners to lubricate the door hinge and rods at the top and bottom. Mine was sticking to where the rod wouldn't open the hinge, even when pulled on directly. PB Nutbuster cleared it right up. That mechanism isn't strong, attracts rust and I'm suspecting the extra force needed to push down the rod eventually breaks the piece you replaced. When I fix this I'm going to pull the passenger side apart and lubricate it before the same thing happens.
This video was so much help! Only suggestion I'd make is that it's easier to remove the window for that on screw... IMO
I won't lie i was stoked about finding a video on how to do this because this is exactly my problem but now i think I'll just take it into a shop and have someone else do it.
I tackled this by myself because of your video and it was a success! ( after a big pain in the ass LOL ) but at least you prepared me for that. Thank you very much sir
Thanks for your video. Husband couldn't figure out how to do this until he asked me to find instructions online. Fran
Thank you so much. I broke the window adjustment before I found this video but ever time I was stuck I fast forwarded and found it in the video.
It's fixed but that crappy screw on the handle is still loose. Forget that one.
Just used this to replace mine for exact same problem. Thanks for posting!!
Thanks for the video. Daughter has a 2009 Focus with this issue. You inspired me when you said "I'm about ready to kill someone" cuz that's how I was feeling at times. Glad we have people like you that can provide support to people who still don't mind getting dirty hands.
I just did this same exact job on a 2009 Ford Focus. I found it much easier to remove the window from the door in order to get the second screw out of the bracket. The window is only held in by 2 10mm bolts. All in all this job took me a total of an hour and 4 minutes.
Yes you are right- pull the glass and its easy peasey!
This helped soo much! Thanks for the tip!
Very helpful, but I found it easier to just remove the window glass. There are two bolts that you loosen and then the window pulls right out. Then you can access that second screw pretty easily with a swivel bit holder. And like others have noted: just loosen it a bit and slide the assembly out!
I just had to replace mine as well (I used a Dorman model 926-324), and I found that using small T20 allen wrench made accessing the hard to reach screw much easier. If you lay with your back on the ground and look directly up you can see what you are doing and access that area "fairly" easily. But removing the window and latch assembly may make it much easier. I did not remove them because I could not find any information on how to get them off and back on. I struggled quite a bit with getting the two rods into the loops while also having the replacement part fit into the plastic bracket. I did not remove the plastic bracket because I did not see how I could ever re-attach it. The important steps that made it possible for me to do this was making sure that the rod that connects to the key lock is in the proper position, and lubricating the rod ends and plastic loops.
Hidden gem of a comment. Good advice 👍
Video was helpful but I found that there are two ways to easily remove that inner panel. 1. You could slide that panel to the right to remove. Just make sure the key hole is slightly moved out of its place in the door to allow sliding that inner panel. Looking on the outside of the door, there is a little piece of yellow/white plastic holding that inner panel to the door. Just slide it out of its hole and the inner panel will be free. 2. My replacement panel came with that little yellow/white plastic, so it would be easier to break off the head of the old one in the door to free that inner handle panel. These two options will make the job way easier.
Thank you for filming this. I'm taking my shit to the shop. Screw that!
If you're interested in how easy it is to diy, just skip ahead to 10:03😂
Thanks for the video, your pain to make it easier for us.
This video helped me tremendously on my car today. I don't have power windows so I didn't have a couple of the steps, but had to do a different step, but same otherwise
This video was a lifesaver....But this damn handle was an absolute nightmare!!!!!That freaking screw!!!! I cussed so much....My neighbor came outside and was wondering what the heck I was doing all day...
IS A GREAT BLESSING VIDEO
GREAT JOB LOVELY BROTHER
Great video thanks
Removing the door latch will drop the latch and inner part of the handle off Making it easier . Hope the comment helps someone.
I needed the door panel part of the video thanks again
Big shout out to this video. A buddy and I got my door handle working on my car again!
Great video , thanks for this. Highly suggest taking the window out, helped a lot with space
Thank you. I have had to do this twice now on my daughters car. What a design failure. Added tip. When removing the inside door handle, just clip off the plastic tab. The new unit comes with a new tab
Thanks for this video I have a 2008 black Ford Focus just like the one in the video and my door handle broke I got the part I'm going to use your video to take it apart and put it back together cool man thanks again
Thank you for the video! OMG this was crazy, what dummy on crack decided to put the screw behind the window and no room to turn it! I will make you test your Christianity for sure LOL...just wish you would have shown a couple of more parts,BUT you done an awesome AMAZING fantastic job with only one hand! 👊💯 much respect and thanks again!
To get easy access to the screw behind the window, just remove the window, theres 2 bolts that clamp the window to the window regulator, one bottom left and the other behind and to the right of the speaker. Once loose just pull the window up and out.
@RepairED appreciate your effort to show us how fix this trouble, I know that is very difficult make an video and work at same time with only one hand... realliy thank you.
Great video. Very funny. You have a good sense of humor over this mess. It helped a lot.
Thank you, this helped me so much.
Thank you , this was sooooo goood!! the only problem is you never show how to hook up that rod that you clipped off with the snippers
Great video. Thanks.TIP....If you unscrew the 3 bolts by the latching mechanism, it makes taking the door handle off and puting it back on a lot easier....locking needle pliers with a T20 bit is a must also.
Thank you so much for this video, I was able to replace the broken part with little problems.
To remove the annoying screw, I'm unbolting the bolt the holds the window, on on the left side and one on the right side, then power the window down, window should stay and the window holders should slide down. Then remove the bracket holding the slider. And you got access to that screw. And I ended up removing the whole door locking mechanism on the side of the door and took it all out in one piece.
Great video, cursed the s*** the whole time but saved $400 bucks the stealership wanted
thank for video some pointers.....dont slide panel like that,,,push up to release the weather strip clip,,,also the handle slide toward the back to release if you pull like that you might brake the hook part of handle,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,if you remove the window glass it will make it so easy ,,,just two 10mm bolts,,,slide window out ,,,gives you tons of room.....
Currently feeling the wrath of the Focus. We bought a ratcheting screwdriver for that screw behind the glass and it’s STILL a pain in the hind end. 😣
Thanks for the video though. It’s definitely helped us a great deal.
Thank you Ed! I couldn't have figured this out without your help. And yes, it made me also want to curse or kill somebody but I didn't. XD We ended up taking the window out and moving the window rail down, but it was still very difficult.
You are awesome.....this video was exactly what I needed. I am also thinking of selling my ford stock!
Thanks for posting this....it really helped, ford handles are cheap
I appreciate your video, but when you first went to try the handle near the end and cursed, I laughed out loud. That is SO ME. And you are SO RIGHT. Ford does NOTHING easy. If they could get away with designing your gas cap so you need a special tool to open it, they would do it. All of the Ford engineers should be forced to fix their own cars when they breakdown. Of course they probably drive a Lexus.
Just fixed, thanks for the walk through!
Thank you. My fix is a little different, but I needed the help figuring out how things came apart. I went and bought a tool to get at the screw that holds the lock surround. just over 5 bucks. Don't know if my fix will work yet, epoxy needs time to set up over night.
Great share man. Thank you for being.
Thank you this happened to me today, you were very helpful, now I will try it lol🙏
THANK YOU. And thank you to everyone that commented, because some comments helped too.
Oh, on the part that was so tough to unscrew, you can knock the white plastic piece off instead (hammer and flathead as a chisel). You'll still have to screw it in once it's in place on the new part, but a smaller vice grip also helps.
All ya have yo do is loosen the screw up behind the glass and slide the assembly forward. No need yo take it out
Thx so much for u video help me to solve my prolem
LMMFAO.....YOU R AWESOME! watching your aggrevation ,totally turned my self-inflicted "WTF" experience into a "Hell Yeah" . I may not burn the car down afterall!!!! TY SO MUCH!!
:))
thank you for this excellent video, and I share your frustration
The best way to solve the tool problem is to remove the glass. I had to do this and replace the window regulator at the same time so taking out the glass made removing the old reinforcement easy
Just an FYI. It is easier to do this job if you remove the door glass. Two 10mm head bolts to loosen and the glass slips out. Easier access to the screw behind the glass in this video. Thanks for the video.
Very helpful video!!! but I did find that removing the window (very easy, just remove 2 10mm bolts) will make it WAY easier.
If the door doesn’t open when you are done. Rewatch at minute 19. This solve worked for the Focus here.
Thank you for this upload. It was educational. I will use this video to help me replace my door handle, but I have a question. Do you know the item number for this kit? Also, what can you do if the key lock is damaged? I also need to replace the key fob.
I was gonna take the window out, but now i know its possible to get behind i will try it. My handle broke exactly like yours.
Very entertaining. Even if we weren't having to replace the door mechanism, this would be a great video to watch. : )
Thanks man , you helped me and my buddy today!
Pretty good video. Wished you had had two people so I could’ve seen where your hands were when you were getting screws in and out. It still helped with other stuff though.
Great video. My 2011 Focus door handle is doing the same thing
Fantastic video! It worked for me and it was very helpful. Thank you.
I just did this repair, it took me about an hour and 15 mins. The tips I saw here helped me. this is what I did. I raised the window so the two bolts that grip the window lined up with already existing holes, I loosened the bolts (not removed) the window the lifts right out. You will need to be careful removing the window and angle it as you lift, then take off the bolt for the left window rail that blocks the right hand screw on the door handle. once you remove that rail bolt you will be able to carefully move the rail the right, that will allow you to use the existing hole to loosen the screw on the right hand side of the handle. Honestly even with the window removed it's still challenging maneuvering since it's such a tight space and you don't have a lot of visibility but this should help a lot.
Dude you aren't the only one that hates Fords. I have had GM's all my life with a 1974 Ford Econoline my Dad left me, and now a 2008 Focus I picked up for $300.00. And yes my front doors wont open 98% of the time. You did such a great job of showing where all the tough spots are and how to get around them. From a retired ASE, & GM Goodwrench Certified Mechanic, THANK YOU!! Great Job!
Good job on instructions mate... (photographer tip )...could of used a reflector panel like white styrofoam to light up the whole door area but in anycase thanx for taking the time... i just finished the job in 3hours on a 2008 focus same driver door handle issue... that damn little screw is tough but removing the window gives better access and takes A LOT of pain and swearing away lol🤣... other then that its the rod that attaches to the doir latch that is tricky...and ya you get to swear at it there too 😂...tip ....put rod on door latch first then put new handle in the plastic frame just enough to bring the rod to the little hole then flip the handle over it so it can slide in... then latch frame to handle and carry on with attaching it to the door... easier said then done but it will save you cuts and frustrations... bottom line it was my girlfriend's focus and i am so happy not to own a ford focus...and it made me love my C30 volvo even more ... thx again for very helpful video 😎🙌🤘🤙💖
After watching I ain't even gonna try. The wayy patience is setup I'll just tear the whole door off
Thanks ,can you say me when can buy it i,m from México and now have this problem?
This is much much easier if you just take the whole assembly with the door latch off (3 torx 27 bolts, unplug the harness, remove yellow cable fastener) I'm willing to bet that' the factory installs the back side of the handle with the latch preassembled. Then you don't have to cut plastic or fight with the rods. Don't do it like this. I appreciate that you made a replacement video but you make it look harder than it really is.
I have this issue. So what parts should i get before doing? I need the handle, torx bit. What else?
I just followed this video and replaced the mechanism on a 2010 Focus. It is a two door. I highly recommend that you remove the door glass, or else would be very hard to replace the piece. Two ten MM bolts, one towards the back, and one towards the front. Don't remove the bolts all the way, just loosen to the point that glass can be removed. Take off the top weather strip on the door, or else you might have trouble. Slowly remove the glass towards the inside of the door. Then it will be very easy to do the fix. Good luck.
+V FLACK Thank you!
Do you have too lower the window by any chance to acces those two bolts ?
When you remove the panel and some of the plastic (carefully), there are certain holes that allow you to insert a socket wrench on an extension. An extension 6 to 10 inches will work. And yes, you have to lower the window. Reinstall the window controls without the panel, that will allow you to operate the window. Remove the top weather strip first, the one towards the inside of the car, NOT the one on the outside of the door. The inside weatherstrip will just pull off.
***PRO TIP: If you take the glass out, it will make the job 10x easier. There are just 2 - 10mm bolts holding the glass in place that are super easy to access thru the holes. Remove those 2 bolts and roll the regulator down and out of the way. You can also remove the bolt holding the window regulator in place and slide it out of the way to be able to access the 20 torx bolt with a simple extension. Extra 5-10 minutes of work saved me a major headache.
Thanks man. you help me alot...
Wish me luck, I am going to do my Son's car Wednesday. I hope this video makes it go smoother for me. Ill update when I am done. I am also going to test Lydia's claim of not having to remove the " screw that brings murderous rage".
Swartz Robert so how’d it go???
Easier way....4 bolts...remove window .....2 bolts remove handle....done lol I figured that out on my own
This comment helped so much. It was way easier to do it this way.
Remove the glass! Super easy!! Loosen up saddle bolts one is behind speaker. Then pull out glass and everything is accessible