Recently installed a replacement actuator, works great but I was unable to determine how to reconnectthe shaft from the key in the door handle to the actuator. Thereis one Torx screw in the side of the door that holds the tumbler housing/door handle assemblybut loosening that screw doesnt seem to loosen the handle. Any suggestions on how to make the connection? I know Imight have to take the trim panel off again, that's OK. Without the key access option, I cant get in if the remote conks out!

 

That is one I haven't come on before, this won't help you, but once you figure it out would you post a reply so we know for in the future.
Thanks

 

I am considering checking with 1) a locksmith and/or 2) a body shop. If I get a good answer you will be the first to know, since I got great pointers here on both a source for and help installing the actuator!
Pat

 

You were almost there, after removing the torx screw for the door handle, push it forward and pull out from the rear . this should give you enough room to reinstall the tumbler linkage into the latch.

 

now we are getting somewhere..lrobin3w do you mean push the handle forward along the outside of the door, and it will release so it can be pulled away from the door skin, then align the tumbler linkage and push the handle back in? (i have not tried yet, still tryingto get my ducks in a row b4 I take the trim panel off again.
thanx in advance
pat

 

don't take door panel off.
remove the torx screew for the drivers outside door
lock, pull the cylinder and trim off in one piece.
shine flashlight in hole that the door lock came out of
look for the piece of plactic that looks like a cross in the latch assembly
you just installed + sometimes its a whiite piece of plastic in the black latch assembly.
ok, now look at the lock cylinder/trim piece and see the metal end that
is also shaped like a cross +
it sould be easy to reinstalled the two pieces back.
tighten the screew and try

 

When I remove the Torx screw the handle assembly does not get loose. Is it just stuck by old wax or is there a trick to break it away from the door?

 

ok i was wrong, it seems that the handle and the lock part are one
piece, the range rover 03-to current is the one with the lock and trim piece
comes stright out. however i think you still have the same problem
with the cross piece not correctly in the latch assembly.
with the discovery you have to slide the handle to the
left looking from the outside of the drivers door and the handle will
come out slightly but one of the lock rods will keep the handle
from coming out all the way, so i think you my have to remove the door
panel a 2nd time to get that cross piece from the cylinder in the latch assembly.

 

OK, this weekend (2/9) I'll put all these pointers to work. Full report to follow! Thanx again for all the assistance!
pat

 

Job Well Done! Once the Torx screw is removed, the trick is to pull the door handle as if you were opening the door. That causes the lock assembly to sort of "fold out" thru the opening, allowing you room to realign and insert the tumbler linkage. Takes two hands and requires the interior trim panel to be removed. This step could be easily done at the time the actuator is installed, I just didnt know how!
Many thanks to the contributors here, I saved a bundle based on what it cost at the dealership to have the actuator replaced on the passenger side a couple of years ago!
Thanx again and regards
pat