Both the front & rear driver side exterior door handles do NOT open the doors. They work perfectly from the inside. Has something come loose inside the door?

first open door and find the round black rubber plug located inside the door edge,remove the plug and use a 8mm socket to remove the key lock part of the outside handle . once that is removed you grasp the outside handle side it toward the removed lock part then pull it outward very slightly with the front out first then the rear in a curve motion, reverse procedure to install new handle

2004 Nissan Maxima Service Repair Workshop Manual DOWNLOAD

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You will need someone with a break in kit. You are only allowed them if you have a reason to have them ie: licensed repairer. It will contain wedges to go between the outside of the window & the door to spread the gap. There is then a series of wire hooks, sheet steel with notches cut out etc... They need to put the correct one in the gap & unlock the door if it is locked. Then actuate the latch mecanism inside to open the door. You can then get the trim off to repair the problem. I have a kit but sorry I can't help.

Remove front door handle bezel screw cover Remove inside handle bezel screw Remove inside handle bezel Lift upward on the rear of the front door inside handle bezel Disconnect electrical connector Remove handle screw cover
Remove handle screw Remove door trim panel upper screw Remove door trim panel lower screw Remove door trim panel (pull the door trim panel outward to release the pin-type retainers)Remove front door sail panel
Disconnect mirror electrical connector Remove 3 exterior mirror nuts and exterior mirror

remove the door panel and replace the inside door handle dealer part

the door handle is either broke or a part of it has slipped loose, either way, you'll have to remove the inner door panel to get to it, this is not difficult, a few screws and the panel is retained by push in type plugs that can be pryed loose. the entire door latch assy is held in by screws and is serviced by replacement, the difficulty come with very tight area to work in, and is irritating and time consuming, if you are not good with tools i'd suggest a good mechanic or body shop. always get a quote!!

The center section does come out it has little tabs front and rear you have to bend it very carfully.GOOD LUCK

Order the exterior door handle AND the clip that attaches the rod to the exterior handle from your local dealership ( any part in the salvage yard will have at least as much wear as the one U are replacing ) Also order a can of touch up paint matching your car. After you have the parts and have painted the new exterior handle, roll down the window and remove the interior door panel. ( instructions have been posted at 'replace door lock buttom' ) Two nuts, one on each side, hold the broken handle in place and must be removed ( DON'T loose them ). Loosen the rod from the clip at the top to allow a bit more room, But take note on the way it is attached ( you will need to reattach the rod to new handle ) To install new mechanism put the new clip on the rod, carefully place the gasket and the new handle in place and install nuts to secure. Test the door handle and make sure it works. Reinstall interior door panel.

you are correct they are flimsey and get fatigued with age easy to replace harder to find

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