Two door handle replacements will cost me over $1100 - is there a cheaper way?

[umenon]

My 2014 Model S 60 has already been through one door handle replacement (left rear) for which the local service center didn't charge me anything even though technically my car was out of the 4 year/50000 mile warranty period.

Yesterday when I took the car in because the right (front and rear) door handles wouldn't open, I was told the cost of replacement would be a little over $1400 but they would waive the labor which would bring the cost down to $1100.

I read in this forum that door handles can be had for $200 on ebay so I checked it out and sure enough, there are pre-owned door handles available for under $200. Will a non-Tesla authorized auto shop be able to install these for me? Can someone recommend one in NJ (I live in central Jersey) ?

 

[jim5359]

$1100 for each handle or for both? Do they come with a warranty?

Do you really want to spend $400 plus installation for 2 used handle mechanisms that may only last a few months?

 

[Galve2000]

Wait until your center screen dies. Now that is going to be a sad day.

 

[mspohr]

Have you seen this video?
Fix your door that won't open

 

[dhanson865]

If the video above doesn't do it check with HSRmotors?

Jason Hughes‏ @wk057 Nov 16

Finally announcing the launch of my company's website, HSR Motors ! Competitively priced Tesla drive unit packages are getting ready to head out the door, along with other #EV related products. Stay tuned here and follow

While they specialize on the harder more important parts, they might have simple parts laying around from cars they are picking apart.

 

[demundus]

If the OP gets a used handle that he can be sure came from the revision... the swap is easy enough (couple hours your first time). I have one for sale that was a revision, I know this because it was swapped for me, and then I was in an accident a month later and got another one due to a change in door design. I'm sure there are similar situations.

 

[jelloslug]

Most non operable handles can be repaired for under $20. Watch some of the youtube vids on the repair procedure.

 

[Lasttoy]

Mine broke monday, i watched you tube videos. Took it out yesterday . The little gear broke. I got an entire unit off eBay. Its easy to do, you need 9mm , 10mm sockets, t35 torque bit, something soft to pop door panel off with. Took me about 30 minutes. Very easy if you watch videos .

 

[jelloslug]

Tesla sells replacement gears.

 

[Galve2000]

speak of the devil.. finally got my S85D back after nearly 2 months at the body shop and -- you guessed it -- the rear drivers handle is stuck in "presented" position, and the door won't open.. which sucks b/c I place my briefcase/backpack back there while i'm driving.

Back to Tesla Service it will go

 

[mrElbe]

Fixing stuck in "presented" position is as easy as pulling a fuse!

 

[viper2ko]

This is exactly the reason im going to get the extended warranty

 

[jelloslug]

This is exactly the reason im going to get the extended warranty

I will probably get the extended warranty also, but if I have a failed handle, it will cost me a fraction of the deductible to fix it myself.

 

[Naonak]

The cost to repair really depends on what the problem is... do you know specifically what the issue is with your handles?

 

[Galve2000]

The deductible is currently $100, right?

 

[viper2ko]

The deductible is currently $100, right?

200 i think

 

[Lasttoy]

I got a very bright light and magnifying glass. Looked at why the gear broke. Seems a lot of water got into latch, caused a lot of corrosion.
The screws are rusted. I think some preventive maintenance of oiling the contact with the rod is in order for older cars, and if you are bored new ones. A little WD-40 Will work fine. I will pull other 3 and spray them with WD-40.

 

[jjh1234]

There have been other reports of water intrusion into the handle assembly. Something about a gasket mis-aligned or even missing in some cases.

 

[geometro]

Sorry to hear this. I wish they treated these with a lifetime warranty— door handles are critical and they made these cool, but overly complicated.

 

[Edo102]

Tesla sells replacement gears.

I heard Tesla sold the gear for just a couple bucks. Went to my local SC, but was told they only sell the whole thing. If anybody can get a hold of some, i!d love to buy 4. Only need one right now, but imagine it won't be long bf I will need another.