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Dorman 81981 Exterior Door Handle - Rear Left
Overview of Dorman Exterior Door Handle 81981
The Dorman 81981 exterior door handle is designed for reliable operation on select Ford and Mercury vehicles. Featuring a black lever with a chrome housing, this plastic door handle offers a durable replacement option for your Crown Victoria, Grand Marquis, or Marauder.
- Material: Durable plastic construction
- Color: Black lever with chrome housing for a factory appearance
- No keys included or key lock hole, designed for non-locking door applications
- Compatible with Ford Crown Victoria, Mercury Grand Marquis, and Marauder models
- Part number 81981 ensures correct fit and function
Product Details and Specifications
This exterior door handle by Dorman is engineered to match the original equipment specifications for the Ford Crown Victoria, Mercury Grand Marquis, and Marauder. The plastic material provides resistance to corrosion and wear, while the black lever combined with a chrome housing maintains the vehicle's exterior aesthetics. The handle does not include a key lock hole or key pad cutout, making it suitable for doors without locking mechanisms. Part number 81981 identifies this specific replacement handle, ensuring compatibility and ease of installation.
Compatible Vehicles and Applications
This exterior door handle is compatible with the following vehicles:
- Ford Crown Victoria (non-locking doors)
- Mercury Grand Marquis (non-locking doors)
- Mercury Marauder (non-locking doors)
Use this handle to replace worn, broken, or damaged exterior door handles on these models to restore proper door operation and maintain vehicle appearance.
Common Issues Addressed by This Door Handle
- Broken or cracked door handle lever
- Faded or peeling exterior finish on the handle
- Non-functional door handle preventing door opening
- Missing or damaged door handle components
- Corrosion or wear affecting handle operation
Installation Notes and Tips
Installation of the Dorman 81981 exterior door handle requires removal of the interior door panel to access mounting hardware. Ensure all clips and screws are properly secured during reassembly. This handle is designed for doors without key lock holes, so verify your vehicle's door configuration before installation. No keys or lock cylinders are included with this part.
Quality Assurance and Warranty
Dorman exterior door handles are manufactured to meet or exceed OEM standards for fit, form, and function. The 81981 part number undergoes quality checks to ensure durability and reliable operation. While specific warranty details may vary, Dorman typically offers limited warranties covering defects in materials and workmanship.
| Brand | Dorman |
| Part Number | 81981 |
| Color | Black Lever and Chrome Housing |
| Key Lock Hole | No |
| Key Pad | No |
| Key Pad Cutout | No |
| Keys Included | No |
| Material | Plastic |
| Package Contents | Exterior Door Handle |
This part fits 42 vehicles. Search below:
| Year | Make | Model | Position | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | Ford | Crown Victoria | Rear Left | Color: Black Lever and Chrome Housing |
| 2011 | Mercury | Grand Marquis | Rear Left | Color: Black Lever and Chrome Housing |
| 2010 | Ford | Crown Victoria | Rear Left | Color: Black Lever and Chrome Housing |
| 2010 | Mercury | Grand Marquis | Rear Left | Color: Black Lever and Chrome Housing |
| 2009 | Ford | Crown Victoria | Rear Left | Color: Black Lever and Chrome Housing |
| 2009 | Mercury | Grand Marquis | Rear Left | Color: Black Lever and Chrome Housing |
| 2008 | Ford | Crown Victoria | Rear Left | Color: Black Lever and Chrome Housing |
| 2008 | Mercury | Grand Marquis | Rear Left | Color: Black Lever and Chrome Housing |
| 2007 | Ford | Crown Victoria | Rear Left | Color: Black Lever and Chrome Housing |
| 2007 | Mercury | Grand Marquis | Rear Left | Color: Black Lever and Chrome Housing |
| 2006 | Ford | Crown Victoria | Rear Left | Exterior door handle, black and chrome finish, suitable for box packaging. |
| 2006 | Mercury | Grand Marquis | Rear Left | Exterior door handle, black and chrome finish, suitable for box packaging. |
| 2005 | Ford | Crown Victoria | Rear Left | Exterior door handle, black and chrome finish, suitable for box packaging. |
| 2005 | Mercury | Grand Marquis | Rear Left | Exterior door handle, black and chrome finish, suitable for box packaging. |
| 2004 | Ford | Crown Victoria | Rear Left | Exterior door handle, black and chrome finish, suitable for box packaging. |
| 2004 | Mercury | Grand Marquis | Rear Left | Exterior door handle, black and chrome finish, suitable for box packaging. |
| 2004 | Mercury | Marauder | Rear Left | Color: Black Lever and Chrome Housing |
| 2003 | Ford | Crown Victoria | Rear Left | Exterior door handle, black and chrome finish, suitable for box packaging. |
| 2003 | Mercury | Grand Marquis | Rear Left | Exterior door handle, black and chrome finish, suitable for box packaging. |
| 2003 | Mercury | Marauder | Rear Left | Exterior door handle, black and chrome finish, suitable for box packaging. |
| 2002 | Ford | Crown Victoria | Rear Left | Exterior door handle, black and chrome finish, suitable for box packaging. |
| 2002 | Mercury | Grand Marquis | Rear Left | Exterior door handle, black and chrome finish, suitable for box packaging. |
| 2001 | Ford | Crown Victoria | Rear Left | Exterior door handle, black and chrome finish, suitable for box packaging. |
| 2001 | Mercury | Grand Marquis | Rear Left | Exterior door handle, black and chrome finish, suitable for box packaging. |
| 2000 | Ford | Crown Victoria | Rear Left | Exterior door handle, black and chrome finish, suitable for box packaging. |
| 2000 | Mercury | Grand Marquis | Rear Left | Exterior door handle, black and chrome finish, suitable for box packaging. |
| 1999 | Ford | Crown Victoria | Rear Left | Exterior door handle, black and chrome finish, suitable for box packaging. |
| 1999 | Mercury | Grand Marquis | Rear Left | Exterior door handle, black and chrome finish, suitable for box packaging. |
| 1998 | Ford | Crown Victoria | Rear Left | Exterior door handle, black and chrome finish, suitable for box packaging. |
| 1998 | Mercury | Grand Marquis | Rear Left | Exterior door handle, black and chrome finish, suitable for box packaging. |
| 1997 | Ford | Crown Victoria | Rear Left | Exterior door handle, black and chrome finish, suitable for box packaging. |
| 1997 | Mercury | Grand Marquis | Rear Left | Exterior door handle, black and chrome finish, suitable for box packaging. |
| 1996 | Ford | Crown Victoria | Rear Left | Exterior door handle, black and chrome finish, suitable for box packaging. |
| 1996 | Mercury | Grand Marquis | Rear Left | Exterior door handle, black and chrome finish, suitable for box packaging. |
| 1995 | Ford | Crown Victoria | Rear Left | Exterior door handle, black and chrome finish, suitable for box packaging. |
| 1995 | Mercury | Grand Marquis | Rear Left | Exterior door handle, black and chrome finish, suitable for box packaging. |
| 1994 | Ford | Crown Victoria | Rear Left | Exterior door handle, black and chrome finish, suitable for box packaging. |
| 1994 | Mercury | Grand Marquis | Rear Left | Exterior door handle, black and chrome finish, suitable for box packaging. |
| 1993 | Ford | Crown Victoria | Rear Left | Exterior door handle, black and chrome finish, suitable for box packaging. |
| 1993 | Mercury | Grand Marquis | Rear Left | Exterior door handle, black and chrome finish, suitable for box packaging. |
| 1992 | Ford | Crown Victoria | Rear Left | Exterior door handle, black and chrome finish, suitable for box packaging. |
| 1992 | Mercury | Grand Marquis | Rear Left | Exterior door handle, black and chrome finish, suitable for box packaging. |
* Always verify fitment with your vehicle's VIN if unsure. Submodel & trim restrictions may apply.
This part directly replaces or is cross-referenced with the following part numbers:
Cross-reference numbers are provided for identification purposes only. Always confirm fitment before ordering.