Problems installing new exterior handle

Hey guys. I’m doing the de-chrome exterior handle swap on my 2016 sequoia and I’m working on the driver’s door. I can’t get the screw inside the door to catch back into the threads of the locking mechanism. I’ve tried ever angle - by the looks of the markings on the metal locking assembly it looks like I’m missing the screw hole by a whole diameter. But the assemble is flush with the door and like I said I’ve tried every angle. Any ideas?? Thank you!

 

I used this for reference when I changed mine. It has been a while, so I dont remember having any issues or having to do any "tricks". Hope this helps

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-3_MQKgXhok

 

only thing I can think of, the one with the lock is of course the driver side. Not sure if they will install on the wrong side.

 

The plastic insert holding the screw can sometimes get dislodged. Make sure it’s seated so the screw hits the mark.

 

Thanks everyone. Still not working. Plastic screw guide hasn’t moved. What baffles me is that it’s the same screw hole and screw - only the cover has been changed. Really strange. Will keep at it! If you have other ideas though I’m all ears!

 

maybe the main handle is not seated. If I remember, I needed to insert it and then move it forward slightly, away from where the button with the lock hole will go, then installed that last piece, the step you are on currently. So, I would remove the handle, install it again and make sure it feels seated, then install that part with the lock.

 

So you were right my friend! It was barely noticeable but the clip holding the plastic screw guide into the door was just slightly dislodged—I mean barely, but enough to make the screw not lineup with the hole. Popped it back in and then the screw went straight in. Man, a four hour job that should have taken 90 seconds!

Thanks so much for the help and quick responses, everyone - this forum is great!

jason

 

Killer!! Glad you got it!

 

^ This is the story of my life..
Telling my wife, that will only take X amount of time.
Then one thing after another ef's up and it takes 3 or 4 times as long and 2 or 3 trips to Lowes..

Glad you got it figured out...
This forum is pretty great...

 

Yep, that was pretty much it. Told my wife “this will only take about 15 minutes”….

 

I literally just did this a week ago. Had the exact same issue. Took two handles to figure it out. The clip that holds the screw in place needs to be pushed back in place. The 15 minute job turned into an hour. Good times! Glad you got help and figured it out.