Good Day All.

Its an A5 Octavia, 2.5 years old, 30,000 miles.

Drivers door outside handle feels as if its loose, and when let go it doesn't spring back into the resess and lie flush like the others do. It rests about one to two mm proud of its fully stowed position.

Function is OK, but I doesn't fill me with confidence, and I need to sell the car shortly and buyers may notice it. (Although I didn't when I bought it!!!!).

If its anything like the bonnet release handle I don't rate its chances.

I had the bonnet release replaced under warranty but I think they did that as a sop, since they overcharged me for coding a new key fob, and I rumbled them. I don't fancy my chances of getting them to fix the door handle, as opinions from a few other dealers lead me to expect it to be classed as damage or wear/tear.

So - can anyone direct me to instructions on dismantling the door interior panel, so I can try to mend it myself?

Of course any other advice will be gratefully received.

Many Thanks - Regards - Doug

Think strongly about it, its not just a case of removing the door card. The carrier is mounted inside that holds the window etc and its not easy to a novice to remove.

However it might be worth checking the bowden cable on the handle first, it may have just slipped. Open the door, on the edge you will see a grommet. Pull out this grommet and insert a T25 torx driver. Undo the screw inside gently, stop when you feel resistance. You can now extract the door lock from the outside. If you look at the handle now you can see the cable. Pulling it further out along the handle will tighten it. watch out though, to much and you will cause the dead lock to come and and they you are in some serious trouble.

Door panel is pretty easy but the lock mechanism will still be hidden so be careful.

Buy some clips though as you are bound to break some. I used this guide by a chap called Humsk which was very useful.

http://www.briskoda.net/forums/ice-security-insurance/how-remove-octy-ii-door-cards-speaker-sizes/51291/

Much appreciated. I'll give the cable-pulling option a go.

Dismantling the door - usually I bite off more than I can chew, then chew like heck, but it would end in tears. Thanks for stopping me!

Regards - Doug

Gentlemen, thanks for the advice.

I wonder if you were referring to an A4 Octavia? Mine's an A5.

There is indeed a grommet on the door edge, about 25 mm dia., near the inner side. No screws inside, however.

There are two small holes, about 8 mm dia, near the door handle, toward the outer edge, each with a T20 screw inside. The bottom screw was loose.

I wonder if this info allows more advice? Any suggestions greatly appreciated. I'm standing by for guidance!

Thanks again. Regards - Doug.

The 2 screws - Top screw remove that one it holds in the lock mech.

Bottom screw, adjusts the collar tension. Sorry it's not got one on my picture.

Had exactly the same issue with my sister in laws Octavia 52 plate. After finally going to a breakers yard and getting a new handle assy. I can see EXACTLY what's wrong with the orig. now. Once that handle is sitting in your hands you can see exactly how it works. My advice is remove the whole handle assy. from the car:-

1 Remove the actual door handle piece,

2 Undo the torx screw on the exterior rhs of the door handle assy

3 Remove handle assy from inside the door (there's a small clip near where the screw was also), watch it doesn't fall.

The handle has pins that fit over the spring return, without doing that it will always sit proud, and the car then may not unlock unless you push in the handle flush I have found.

1st pic shows handle receptor without the door handle attached. Note I'm having to hold it against the spring with my finger.

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2nd picture shows the lugs on the end of the door handle - these slot into the receptor.

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3rd picture shows the handle located correctly in the "Springy" receptor.

Sorry these pictures do not show the collar adjuster it must have fallen off (bottom torx screw)

I think the "trick" is the push the springy bit back and then adjust the torx screw so the collar grips it against the spring (a bit like my finger holding it), then offer up to the car, then fit the exterior handle, then turn back the torx screw and it all snaps into place.

Hope this helps someone, it foxed me a little!

Edited 8 June, 201312 yr by neilcaldwell