How do you open the door on a 2001 Ford Ranger if the exterior door handles have broken? The doors are unlocked. We do not want to break the car window to get inside to open the door.

remove door panel and inspect handle and linkage for damage or disconnection

You most likely have a broken exterior handle (they're made of soft metal and sometimes the tab that connects to the rod that opens the door can break), it could also be the rod has simply just fallen off, it's held on by a clip and they can break also. Has someone tried to unlock the door from the outside ?(keys locked in car) when the tool to unlock the door is used it can sometimes dislodge the linkage and cause this problem.

The door handle might be broken, you need a new part. I got mine online for $40. keywords: 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 Toyota Sequoia Metal Lift Gate Exterior Door Handle for Rear Outside Van Tailgate Handle. You need to remove the back door panel to replace this.

You disconnect the lever linkage, it pulls out of the hole after turning the plastic retainer 90 degrees. Then, remove the 2 10mm nuts from the lever... and reverse the procedure to install the new lever/handle.

theres a clip or a rod on the handle that cud be brokes so u would have to take the door apart to find out

remove interior door panel(need special tool to pop plastic clips holding panel to door)with panel off remove plastic film,with window up you should be able to see two 10m nuts-bolts to remove-also have to pop lever off that goes down to door latch

GO TO YOUR DEALER

lock rods inside the door need to be attached and with exterior door handle broken, it will need to be replaced first. so the assembly will be complete

hope2help shack

Common problem on 2001 Ford Explores. The reason why your door handle doesn't unlock the door(can't be unlocked by remote either)is due to a broken spring located on the backside of the door handel INSIDE the door. True that your one(or two) of your small exterior springs on your door handle are broken(will cause your handle to flap) but this IS NOT YOUR PROBLEM. The door locks will work if there is a bit of tension holding the handle bracket up. I know it's hard to explain without pics. but here's the ONLY WAY TO FIX THIS. It's not that hard.......... Remove the door panel, only a few screws and a few more holding trim around exit handle then, pull out "snap in" clips on bottom. With a flashlight you'll see back side of door handle. To get to that area you'll have to remove one bolt holding a window frame. Do that(with window in up position) then slide down rail, out of your way. Now, get back to handle. With your light aimed at the backside of handle left slowly the door handle as normal, and you'll realize(while looking at the mechanism) that tension(pulling down of bracket) needs to occur in order for locks(manual and remote)to work properly. Trust me.....you'll figure it out. Once you do, get a spring(pen spring, 30 cent hardware store spring, any small spring!) and hook one end to bracket and the other end to ANYTHING(OUT OF THE WAY) below the door handle thus, causing SLIGHT tension. Try your locks...THEY WILL WORK! YEAH! Replace that one window frame bolt(try your window...just the make sure), replace door panel and your done. TOTAL COST: 30 cents or FREE(if you have a small spring) Ford dealers will charge $150 to $285! Yikes!

you can do this. you have to remove inside trim panel for access. if you still need to do, I will send you repair steps. let me know