Door trim panels — removal and installation
Power window door panel removal
1. On models with power door locks and/ or power windows, disconnect the cable from the negative battery terminal (see Engine electrical systems).
2. Remove the trim panel from the inside release handle and from the inside, grab handle area to expose the screws behind them. Remove the screws (see illustrations).
19.2a Release handle trim removal
19.2b Grab handle trim removal
3. Remove the side trim from the arm rest area. Use a flat-bladed trim tool to pry the side trim off by working around the edges of the trim until all the clips are free, then remove the side trim (see illustration).
19.3 Carefully pry the trim panel off to expose the screws
4. After removing the side trim panel inside the arm rest trim area are the remaining screws. One in front and two near the grab handle area. Remove the screws (see illustrations).
19.4a Grab handle screw locations
19.4b Front door panel fastener location
5. On some of the models you’ll find two screws at the bottom edge of the door panel near the middle section. Remove these two screws (see illustration).
19.5 Remove the lower screws securing the panel to the door
6. With a flat-bladed trim tool, start to loosen the door panel from the door by working around the lower edges then up each side and across the bottom edge (see illustration).
19. 6 Start in the corner of the panel and work your way around until all the fasteners are free
7. Lift the door up off of the door lock stem and then tilt it out in order to gain access to the electrical connections and inside door handle release cable (see illustrations).
19.7a Pull the door panel away far enough to get to the electrical connectors and release cable
19.7b Press in on the release cable clip to remove it, then work the cable out of the slot in the inner release mechanism
Note: Before reinstalling the door panel, check that all the plastic push clips are installed on the door panel and not in the door.
8. Installation is the reverse of removal.
Manual window door panel removal
9. All the basic steps as listed in the power window door panel are the same for the non-power window vehicles except for the manual window crank lever.
Note: The window crank arm is held on with a retaining clip in the shape of a horseshoe. It requires a special tool to remove it or a hook to reach behind the crank lever to release the clip.
Tip: If you don’t have access to a window crank removal tool an old mechanic’s trick is to use a shop rag instead. By holding on to two corners of the shop rag slide it under the crank lever with the lever handle facing downward. Then, by using a sawing motion pull up and alternate pulling on the two corners of the shop rag. The shop rag will grab the edges of the retaining clip and pull it off of the handle. When reinstalling the crank handle put the retaining clip into the groove in the handle and push it back onto the door.
10. After removing the window crank handle follow the same outlined procedures for the power window door panel.
11. Otherwise, installation is the reverse of removal.
Rear doors (if applicable)
12. Pry the trim covers off and remove all door trim panel retaining screws. There are two screws at the grab handle area of the armrest and one behind the inside release lever.
13. Carefully pry the power window switch out of the armrest, disconnect the electrical connector, then remove the switch, if equipped. For manual windows, remove the window crank arm.
14. On some models there are two screws on the bottom edge near the center of the door panel. Remove these screws.
15. Pry the trim panels from each side of the door by starting at the bottom corner and working your way around to the top edge.
16. Lift the door panel off of the door lock stem and tilt out far enough to gain access to any remaining electrical connectors. Disconnect them and set the door panel to the side for reinstalling later.
17. Installation is the reverse of removal.