If your vehicle is having difficulties with its power locks, there’s plenty of DIY checklists accessible online. Typically, removing the inside car door panel is necessary to do the job. While this may sound like a daunting task, the reality is that when it comes to fixing car door issues, removing the inside car door panel is not all that difficult. Follow along, and thank WikiHow for getting this rolling. Get your flathead, Phillips and 12-point screwdrivers ready. You may also need an Allen wrench. Have a look at your car’s owner’s manual before proceeding, of course. A web search involving diagrams won’t hurt, either.
Open the door first
You can’t do this job effectively if you don’t have room to work. Without the leverage angle, you are doing it wrong.
Ready to pop the lock?
Does the lock deal with jut up out of the plastic? If it does, you’ll have to get it out of there before you are able to proceed. The good news is that for those who have such a lock, it will likely unscrew and lift out.
Level with your lever
Next, discover the door handle and contemplate its removal. Underneath it, there should be a visible screw. Lift the lever so you are able to get at the screw. When you are done, you need to be able to remove the plastic casing that holds the lever system in place.
The armrest comes next
Again, look underneath. That’s commonly where screws are found. There may be plastic covers over these screws, however they should pop off with a flathead screwdriver. Unscrew and de-armrest. One additional step would be unplugging the wires when you have power windows. Don’t worry, it is very safe – they have modular plastic ends. All you have to do is squeeze the plastic and also the wires will come out.
Take care of manual window cranks
For those who have an older car, the window crank is separate from the armrest procedure; in involves a plastic cap and snap ring, in that case. The flathead will help you here.
You need some putty?
Insert your trust putty knife between the inner door panel and also the metal frame next. Be gentle when prying things apart, because you do not want to snap the plastic grommets that attach the door to the inner cardboard plate. If you break these plastic parts, you’ll need to spend time at your dealer or on eBay tracking them down. In fact, don’t take the plastic off completely until you complete the next step.
Save your window before completing the job
The window must come out before removing the panel, or it could fall out and shatter. Once you’ve accomplished this, pop, pop away. Repair away, then follow the outlined process in reverse to reassemble the inside door panel. Lock and armrest are done last. You might want to use something like a goopy marine adhesive around the outside of the panel to ensure that it sticks back within the frame.
Citations
Additional info at these websites
http://www.wikihow.com/Remove-an-Inside-Door-Panel-from-a-Car
