Difficulty Level: easy
Tools Needed: Trim panel remover tool (I use a painters 6 in 1), T30 screwdriver, Phillips screwdriver, small flat screwdriver and a large flat screwdriver (oops not pictured)
Time: 1/2 hour



I did this repair on our drivers side rear.

First start off pulling the interior door panel off, gently pry interior door handle cup off (just a couple of tabs hold it in place), remove the 2 phillips screws in door pull, disconnect wiring harness and set panel aside. The panel must be removed IF you don't want to crack the tabs on the chrome door lock!





Don't mind the red circles other than the top right one.



Remove the T30 door handle screw.



Rotate door cable and pull out.



Using small flat screwdriver insert through the backside into tab.





Using large flat blade screwdriver gently pry against black assembly and chrome cap.



viola!

 

A side note:

You can always switch the front chrome cap with the back if one chooses.

I took a file and filed down the rough foil chrome, then used a dab of silver paint to color. It came out well.

 

Thanks Rick. I'll give this a shot when I decide how to permanently repair our driver's door lock button. My silver metal foil tape patch applied a couple of weeks ago continues to hold tight....

The way I see it, permanent repair options include:

1. Peeling off all the chrome and painting the white plastic lock button with silver paint. Easiest solution, but probably not the most attractive in the long run....

2. Peeling off all the chrome and covering the white plastic lock button with silver metal foil tape. I'll get that desired chrome look again, but can I smooth out the tape on the lock button's curved surfaces well enough to have no visible tape creases showing?

3. Peeling off all the chrome and finding someone who can re-chrome it for a minimal cost. No doubt the most professional fix, but what will it cost?


Let us know how you permanently fix yours when your process is complete....

 

Jon, I did try the chrome foil tape yesterday, as you mentioned the sharp corners made it look like crap. Thats when I filed the edge down and used silver paint.

I am still going to look into a rechromer.

 

Go get some quotes on the "good" chrome over plastic process.

I did for a pair of brand new black plastic mirrors I picked up cheap on ebay for another car. I just bought chromed replacement mirrors instead and it was 1/4 the price.

I think you'll be shocked.

Remember this is potentially a wear surface.

Also, turn off the auto-locking then there's very little reason to ever use it.