Hyundai Grandeur IG Rear Smart Exterior Handle Upgrade Review

Addressing the Rear Seat Convenience Gap in the Hyundai Grandeur IG

Many Hyundai Grandeur IG owners have experienced a minor inconvenience: the rear door exterior handles lack a release button. This means passengers in the back often need to rely on the front door handle or the smart key to unlock and open the rear doors. While seemingly small, this can be a hassle, especially for families with children or when carrying multiple items. This review explores the solution: upgrading the rear exterior handles to the 'smart exterior handle' found on the front doors.

The Smart Exterior Handle Upgrade Process

The upgrade involves replacing the standard rear exterior handles with the OEM smart exterior handles from the front doors. This is a direct fit, requiring the removal of the rear door trim panels. The process is generally straightforward, but as with any automotive customization, unexpected issues can arise. In one instance, a vehicle already equipped with ambient lighting presented a challenge. Some door trim bolts were covered by sound-deadening material, requiring careful removal. Additionally, the ambient light wiring passed through the door trim connector hole, necessitating a temporary wire cut, re-routing, and secure reconnection. The door trim was carefully removed to access the handle mechanism and wiring.

The wiring for the ambient lights needed to be managed meticulously. While ideally, a new terminal would be added to the factory connector for a cleaner look, space constraints meant the existing wiring had to be reconfigured and connected securely. Terminals were also added to the vehicle-side wiring to ensure a safe and reliable connection to the wiring harnesses leading to the front of the car.

Installation Process:

1. Remove the rear door trim panel to access the exterior handle mechanism and wiring.
2. Carefully detach the existing rear exterior handle.
3. Install the OEM smart exterior handle, ensuring proper alignment and connection.
4. If ambient lighting is present, carefully manage and reconnect associated wiring.
5. Reassemble the door trim panel securely.

Results and Enhanced Convenience

Upon completion, the rear doors of the Grandeur IG are now equipped with the same convenient release button found on the front doors. This allows rear passengers to unlock and open their doors directly from the outside without needing assistance or the smart key. This upgrade significantly improves the user experience, particularly for those frequently using the rear seats. The installation typically takes around 2 to 3 hours, depending on the vehicle's specific configuration and any additional modifications.