Does anyone know how to remove and replace the front door handle covers on a 06 Prius? My skis fell on my Prius. They lightly dented the roof and front driver's side door, and also damaged the front driver's side door handle cover. Already got the dents removed by a professional, but I'm going to have to buy a replacement door handle cover. I have instructions for removal/replacement of the door handle covers on my FJ Cruiser, but the FJ doesn't have the door lock button and sensor in it. So, I need to know how to take off and replace the door handle cover on the Prius w/o messing up the electronics. Detailed instructions (or a link to them) would be greatly appreciated.
Hi Marty, See p. ED-15 of following link: http://www.selidori.com/tech/prius/DOC/Tech2006/ED%20-%20Engine%20Hood%20Door.pdf
Oh no! Looks like there's just a cover over the key hole, but no cover over the handle. So, you have to replace the entire handle assembly (including the Smart Key button & sensor), rather than just a cover, if you damage it like I did. I'm guessing this is going to be a VERY expensive part. Oh well . . Thanks for the link, Patrick!
Patrick, Many thanks for this post/pdf. It's a gold mine of info on body parts and their parts numbers. Swingshiftworker, It is unfortunate that you need a front door handle with the door lock button, etc. FWIW, I've noticed that many Toyota models have the same handles as the Prius, but they don't have the button. Close, but no cigar. Check here for used parts, they're good folks, use emil to ask about unlisted parts: 04 and newer Prius Parts Cars
A new, prepainted replacement handle with the Smart Key option is from 127.77 to 132.94 depending on the paint color from Parts.com - For every part of your life
Thanks for the link. The damage to the door handle is starting to look less serious by the minute. My Toyota dealer wanted $220 for it! Even with the 20% off I usually get, that would be $176 plus tax. Anyway, got the part number from the dealer and Parts.com says MSRP is $192 and wants $132.94 for it. So, I may buy it from them, unless I can find it cheaper elsewhere, or unless I just switch the door handles from the driver to passenger side so I won't have to look at the damaged one each time I get into the car.
