Q: What precautions should be taken and what steps are involved in removing and installing door handles,Lock Cylinder and latches for Kia Optima?
A: Wear gloves when working inside the door openings to protect against cuts from sharp metal edges. To remove the inside door handle, first take off the door trim panel, then disconnect the lock rods from the inside handle, and remove the mounting screws to take out the handle, with installation being the reverse of removal. For the door latch on 2001 through 2006 models, remove the door trim panel and water shield, disengage the rods from the inside handle and lock cylinder by unsnapping the plastic clips, disconnect the electrical connectors from the latch, and remove the screws securing the latch to the door before taking out the latch assembly through the access opening, with installation being the reverse of removal. For 2006.5 and later models, the process involves removing the door trim panel, window glass, inside door handle, rear window glass channel, and door module assembly, unbolting and detaching the latch from the door module, with installation being the reverse of removal. When dealing with the outside handle and door lock cylinder, take care not to scratch the paint on the outside of the door; applying wide masking tape around the handle opening can help avoid scratches. For 2001 through 2006 models, remove the door trim panel and water shield, disengage the plastic clips securing the door handle-to-latch rod and lock cylinder-to-latch rod, disconnect the electrical connector from the lock cylinder, and remove the mounting bolts to take out the outside handle/cylinder assembly, with installation being the reverse of removal. For 2006.5 and later models, remove the access hole trim cap, take out the fastener at the rear of the handle, slide the handle assembly to the rear, and pull it out of its mounting hole in the door, with installation being the reverse of removal.