DOOR PANEL REMOVAL

How To Remove Car Door Panel

Easy step by step guide on how to remove an automotive door panel, though the configuration may vary, the process is the same, this information pertains to most vehicles.

Difficultly Level - 3

Begin the vehicle on level ground, engine "OFF" with the parking brake set, using a basic set of tools while wearing gloves and protective eye-wear.

Step 1 - Using a small screw driver or trim removal tool, detach (pop off) any trim pieces above the door panel.

REMOVE TRIM

Step 2 - Remove the front trim piece to allow the door panel to be removed.

FRONT TRIM

Step 3 - There may be plastic covers placed over panel bolts-screws which will need to be removed.

REMOVE COVER

Step 4 - After all mounting bolt covers have been removed, loosen and remove the panel mounting screws, these screws can be a little hidden so look around and under arm rests etc.

REMOVE DOOR PANEL SCREWS

Step 5 - Grasp the door handle and remove, be cautious of the linkage attached to the handle as not to bend or break it.

REMOVE DOOR HANDLE

Step 6 - Using a small screwdriver push the plastic clip over the linkage to release it from the handle.

DISCONNECT DOOR HANDLE LINKAGE

Step 7 - Double check that all mounting hardware has been removed, some screws can be well hidden.

HIDDEN DOOR PANEL SCREW

Step 8 - Remove speaker cover to access speaker removal screws, (Note: Some covers cannot be removed ).

REMOVE SPEAKER COVER

Step 9 - Remove speaker mounting screws to remove the speaker.

REMOVE SPEAKER SCREWS

Step 10 - The speaker will then become loose, disconnect the wire harness connector.

DISCONNECT SPEAKER WIRING CONNECTOR

Step 11 - Use a screwdriver or door panel removal tool and wedge it in-between the panel and the door, this will release (pop) the plastic clips holding the panel to the door, follow this action around the bottom of the door until completely released.

RELEASE DOOR PANEL CLIPS

Step 12 - Once all mounting screws or bolts and plastic mounting clips have been released or removed, lift up on the door panel to release it from the window sill, hold it in place as wiring will still be attached.

REMOVE DOOR PANEL

Step 13 - While holding the panel in place locate the wiring connector to the panel accessories such as a window switch or light, release the connector safely to remove.

REMOVE WIRING CONNECTOR (PANEL BACKSIDE)

Step 14 - Window switch wiring harness connector released.

WINDOW SWITCH CONNECTOR RELEASED

Step 15 - Once the electrical connectors have been released, the door panel will become free from the door, remove and gently place it away from the work area.

DOOR PANEL REMOVED

Step 16 - After repairs have been made and the door panel is ready to be reinstalled, grasp the door panel and hold in position while reconnecting the window and light electrical connectors.

REINSTALL WINDOW SWITCH ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR

Step 17 - While making sure all locks work, make sure the latch control rods are safely in place, hook the door panel into the window sill and push down to secure.

REINSTALL DOOR PANEL

Step 18 - Once the door panel is secured at the window sill, pop the plastic clips back into place. (Note: Physical alignment of the clips into their respective holes maybe needed.)

POP DOOR PANEL INTO PLACE

Step 19 - Grasp the speaker while reconnecting the electrical connector, set the speaker back into place.

RECONNECT SPEAKER WIRING

Step 20 - Insert speaker mounting bolts and tighten.

REINSTALL SPEAKER SCREWS

Step 21 - Push the speaker cover into place and secure.

REINSTALL SPEAK COVER

Step 22 - While holding the door handle, reattach the door handle linkage by popping the plastic clip over the control rod.

RECONNECT DOOR HANDLE LINKAGE

Step 23 - Snap the door handle back into place while ensuring the linkage can move freely.

INSTALL DOOR HANDLE

Step 24 - Reinstall and tighten the handle mounting screws.

INSTALLING DOOR HANDLE SCREWS

Step 25 - Reinstall all door panel screws or bolts.

REINSTALL DOOR PANEL SCREWS

Step 26 - Once the door panel is properly secured, reinstall front trim pieces.

REINSTALL FRONT DOOR TRIM

Step 27 - Carefully install the rear trim piece by popping it into position.

REINSTALL REAR TRIM

Helpful Information

All door panels basically perform the same task, though the process of removal varies for each vehicle, in most cases a novice can perform this job. Once the door panel has been removed be cautious of how it is stored during the repair, most door panels are made of cloth and can pick up dirt and stains easily.

Sources 2carpros.com

DOOR LOCK - OUTER HANDLE REPLACEMENT

Easy to follow step by step guide on how to replace or remove an automotive door lock and outside door handle, though appearances may vary, the process is the same on most vehicles.

Difficulty Level - 5

Tools and Supplies Needed

• Complete tool set
• Shop towels
• Protective eye wear and gloves
• Replacement door latch
• Replacement Control Rod Clips

Begin with the vehicle on level ground in park with the emergency brake set, wear protective eyewear and gloves.

DOOR LOCK AND OUTER DOOR HANDLE

Step 1 - Before replacing the door lock or outside door handle, you must remove the inner door panel, please visit our door panel removal guide for further instructions.

REMOVE DOOR PANEL

Step 2 - Once the door panel has been removed with the window wiring still connected, turn the ignition key to the "ON" position, work the switch so the window is in the most upright position, turn the key "OFF". (Note: It is a good idea to move the passengers side window down to prevent accidental lock out during the job.)

WINDOW UP

Step 3 - Grasp the plastic door liner and gently remove it, the glue used is meant to be reused after the repair is complete.

REMOVE INNER PLASTIC DOOR LINER

Step 4 - While using the access hole in the inner door, locate the main handle control rod and un-clip it. (Note: This clip was broken rendering the handle non operational.)

DOOR HANDLE CLIP BROKEN

Step 5 - Locate the lock control rod, using a long pick or screwdriver, un-clip the rod and remove it from the lock arm.

UNCLIP LOCK ROD

Step 6 - Using a socket or wrench remove the inner door handle/lock mounting bolts.

REMOVE DOOR HANDLE MOUNTING BOLT

Step 7 - Some manufacturers offer a door handle mounting bolt access hole which can aid in the removal.

ACCESS HOLE

Step 8 - Once the mounting bolts have been removed, gently grasp the handle/lock assembly and lift up to remove, this can take some jostling, be carful not the scratch the paint. (Note: Masking tape can be used stuck below and around the handle to help avoid paint damage.)

REMOVE DOOR HANDLE - LOCK

Step 9 - Using a small screw driver or pick remove the retainer clip that holds the lock in the handle housing.

REMOVE LOCK RETAINER CLIP

Step 10 - Once the clip has been removed, the lock cylinder will become loose.

LOCK CLIP REMOVED

Step 11 - Push the lock tumbler out from the outer door handle.

LOCK TUMBLER REMOVED

Step 12 - A new key will be included with the new lock assembly that will be different than your old key. (Note: If the same key is to be used, the lock will need to be taken to a locksmith with the old key.)

NEW LOCK CYLINDER - KEY

Step 13 - After cleaning the door handle lock housing, gently insert the lock into the door handle.

INSERT NEW LOCK ASSEMBLY

Step 14 - Grasp the lock clip and slide it into place, some clips can be installed before the lock.

INSERT LOCK RETAINER CLIP

Step 15 - Once the door lock has been installed into the handle, inspect and remove broken clips.

REMOVE BROKEN HANDLE CLIP

Step 16 - Match the new door handle clip to the old unit, they should match identically.

NEW DOOR HANDLE CLIP

Step 17 - Grasp the door handle to insert the new plastic retainer clip.

INSERT NEW DOOR HANDLE CLIP

Step 18 - Once the handle is ready for installation, gently lower it into position, be careful of the paint and control arms behind the handle.

INSTALLING DOOR HANDLE

Step 19 - While holding the handle in place, install the mounting bolts and tighten.

INSTALL DOOR HANDLE MOUNTING BOLTS

Step 20 - After the handle mounting bolts are installed and tight, reconnect the control rods to the lock and handle while securing the plastic clips.

RECONNECTING CONTROL RODS

Step 21 - Once the control rods are connected, use the key and work the lock to confirm it's proper operation, work the door handle as well.

CHECK CONTROL ROD MOVEMENT

Step 22 - After double checking all bolts and control rods, grasp the plastic liner and reattach to the door body. (Note: Be careful not to leave tools inside the door.)

REINSTALL PLASTIC DOOR LINER

Step 23 - Reinstall the door panel.

REINSTALLING DOOR PANEL

Step 24 - Once the job is complete, check the door lock and handle operation to confirm a proper repair.