How to remove and reinstall the handles of a Volkswagen Transporter T5.

In this video, we see that the external handle of the Volkswagen Transporter T5 is loose and pulls too far outward, preventing the door from closing properly; often the cause is a previous incorrect installation. To remove the handle, we need to locate the access hole on the side edge of the door where the hinges are. We look for a rubber plug, which we will remove.

We loosen the fastening screw and remove the lock cylinder. Next, we disconnect the handle cable, which can now be removed.

Inside the door, we look for the small metal spring clip, which must be in position and functioning. We install the handle in the correct position by aligning the pins with the holes, and from the same hole where we loosened the Torx screw, we insert a makeshift hook (a stiff wire, for example, a flattened and bent coat hanger) which is the essential tool for proper installation.

We hook the retaining metal clip and gently pull it towards us: this creates the necessary space. While holding the clip pulled with the hook, with the other hand, we push the external handle inward until we see that the two plastic pins pass over the edge of the clip.

We slowly release the tension on the hook: the metal clip should snap forward and hook behind the handle pins, locking it in place. Now we reconnect the steel handle cable to its plastic connector on the back of the handle; we reposition the lock cylinder in its housing and tighten the T20 screw.

Now the door should be in place.