front door panel removal

[scdaren]

Hi there,

Does anyone know how to remove the front door panels?

Thanks,
Daren

[bestatchess]

Unless they changed something for 2006, you remove 5 screws and then pull at the periphery to disengage the clips.

One screw under obvious little square tab.

One screw under small piece near little square tab.

Two screws under long thin trim piece on door pull handle (not door latch handle). Pry little thin trim piece out with something that won't mar plastic (e.g. butter knife).

Pull arm rest up & off (held by clips) & remove one more screw.

Pinch out courtesy light at bottom of door (if so equipped) and disconnect electrical connector.

Do not drop door panel after pulling off. It must be supported while releasing lock & latch cables located on inner side of door panel,otherwise you run the risk of breaking plastic detents.

Might want to buy a few extra of the orange clips as they tend to break. A panel fork tool may come in handy and can be bought at local auto parts store.

[miketan]

A better way that I've found to remove the silver plastic trim insert that snaps into the armrest pull handle is to remove the window/door lock switch plate on top. After that, just reach down and press on the tab that's attached to the silver trim insert to release it from the door. When the top part is loose, just pull up and twist slightly to release the bottom tab of the trim insert from the door panel.

When you reattach the armrest panel, make sure to widen the metal spring clips underneath. If you don't, you may get some rattles in that area after you put it back on.

Also, don't use an electric drill on the 10mm hex screws that secure the door panel to the door. The plastic push pins that the screws go into can strip out rather easily so be sure to tighten the screws snug, but not too tight like with a drill or something.

If any of the orange clips get stuck to the door when you pull the door panel off, just get some dental floss or some thin twine and wrap it around the second top groove of the clip a few times. Then, just pull on both ends to remove the clip from the door. Works like a charm for me.

Goodluck!