Toyota Repair: 1999 Toy Sienna Van back door broken, stiff wire, coathanger

Question
The plastic handle that opens the back hatch broke. Is there a way to open it from the inside? How do I remove the inside pannel?

Thanks alot Ted!


Answer
There are so many of these that break that we have figured out a way to open the door from the outside without removing the panel first, make a small hook out of a coathanger or any stiff wire, the thinner the better, insert the hook into the opening under the handle with a little practice you will hook the release lever, pull outward and and the door will open, if this won't work you will have to get into the cargo area and remove the pull hanlde and the grab handle and then pop the door panel off.