Are you ready to learn the steps to KIA and Hyundai door handle replacement for 2009 to 2014 models? I often get asked how to remove the exterior door handles on KIA’s and Hyundai’s. Mostly because it isn’t that obvious. Most people try removing the door panel but realize that isn’t how to access it. Are you ready to discover how to do this? 
In this post, I am going to cover the steps for KIA and Hyundai door handle replacements. Even if you are not replacing the handles, this will still cover removing them and reinstalling. This method is actually going to cover more cars than just Hyundai and KIA. You will find that Volkswagen and many other manufacturers use this same design. So, you are covered even for a 2010 Hyundai Accent rear door handle replacement.
KIA and Hyundai Door Handle Removal
Whatever door you are working on, open it up and look at the outside edge of the door. On the KIA and Hyundai door handle replacement procedure, look for a round, black rubber plug. It is about an inch and a quarter to an inch and half in diameter. If it is still soft enough, you can pull it off with your fingernails. If not, just use a small screw driver or a flat plastic trim toll to pop it out.
Once you remove the round rubber plug, you will see a bolt. This blot usually takes an 8mm socket, however sometimes it can be a 10mm or even a screw, or Torx. Depending on what year and what type of car you are working on, can make the difference in what you will find behind the plug.
Some models have a plastic clip that holds the bolt in place and doesn’t allow the bolt to be removed. This is usually on all doors without a cylinder lock.
Using a magnetic nut-driver would be best, just to ensure not dropping the bolt down inside the door upon removing it. As mentioned, remove the bolt completely, this will free up the lock cylinder section for removal. You may be working on a door that doesn’t have a lock cylinder, this principle is the same for handles without.
How about a tip? Get a 3/8 drive, 8mm deep well socket and a small telescopic magnet pickup tool. Placing the socket onto the bolt to the lock cylinder or handle end, run the magnet up the middle to the bolt. This should secure the bolt from dropping into the door if you do not have a magnetic nut-driver.
Removing the Door Handle
With the bolt out, you can now pull with your fingers on the small door handle end section. However, this doesn’t matter if it is a lock-cylinder or just a blank rounded end. The small section has to be pulled completely out. Anyway, once this section is removed, the main door handle can be slid to the rear of the car. It will move about ½ to ¾ of an inch back. Now, the door handle can be pulled away from the car.
Notice, the front of the door handle has a cradle hook. So, you will have to pull the rear of the handle out first. Then pull and slide the front out of the hole. If there are wires attached to the handle, gently pull the wiring harness out of the door. Once you see the connector, stop and bring it out enough to disconnect it.
I recommend placing a long zip-tie or string to the half of the connector that is still with the door. If that connector drops down inside the door, you will have to take the door panel off to retrieve it. Although, this might not even apply to the car you are working on, they don’t all have wires in the handles.
Why are you Replacing the KIA – Hyundai Door Handle?
This may seem like a strange question, however, there is a point. If you have any damage to the handle from an impact. I highly recommend looking at the door, around where the handle mounts, for any bends or warpage. Mounting areas that have bends or warpage can hinder the handle going back correctly.
A broken handle may leave pieces that can stop a new handle from working. Be sure to inspect all mounting areas for broken pieces. If not removed, the KIA – Hyundai door handle replacement will not fit or operate correctly.
Aftermarket KIA – Hyundai door handle replacements come in primer. Therefore, you will have to paint them. However, it is possible that some dealership can offer you an already painted replacement handle. All that would require is a VIN number, if it is still available.
Automotive Touchup Paints has paints that have a great color match. In order to get a great match is to use your paint code. If you are not sure where it is, used this GUIDE. I strongly urge you to use a 2K clear on the door handle. A cheap 1K clear will rub off quickly and not hold up to the sun or elements for long.
Installing the KIA – Hyundai Door Handle Replacement
When installing the KIA – Hyundai door handle replacement, ensure you have the wiring harness reconnected, if applies. Being cautious, the wiring harness can be pushed back into the door. Insert the front of the door handle, at an angle into the first hole. You want to get the hook of the handle behind the opening in the door.
All that is required for the back of the handle is to insert, push the handle towards the front and that is it. If this is a lock-cylinder, you will have to place the new cover on it before installing it into the door. These covers just snap off and on. If you need to remove the old one, place a small screwdriver on the back tab and pry. When installing the new one, catch the big tab that would go to the front first. Then the back tab just requires a push and snap.
Insert the lock-cylinder and or the door handle end into the hole. Now, you will want to ensure that the hole is lined up with the hole in the door edge. This will be seen through the door plug hole. If all is aligned, put the small bolt in and tighten it. Replace the access hole plug and you are now done.
Watch the KIA – Hyundai Door Handle Replacement Video
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