interior door panel removal
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,036
Likes: 5
From: Raleigh NC
interior door panel removal
my inner door handle came off last night and it appears the screw worked loose and let go. I need to remove my inner door panel to re-install I assume(the screw is gone)
I see the 4 screws holding the panel on but I am wondering if there are clips also? I know it is a cake job to take them off but figured I would ask those who have done it what the correct way to remove them is and if I need to pick up the tool to remove it from clips without breaking them. while I am in there my connector rod to the inner door lock is apparently off so I am going to fix that too.
I know , it is a noob question but I prefer to get every bit of knowledge I can before doing anything to this car.
I see the 4 screws holding the panel on but I am wondering if there are clips also? I know it is a cake job to take them off but figured I would ask those who have done it what the correct way to remove them is and if I need to pick up the tool to remove it from clips without breaking them. while I am in there my connector rod to the inner door lock is apparently off so I am going to fix that too.
I know , it is a noob question but I prefer to get every bit of knowledge I can before doing anything to this car.
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 159
Likes: 0
From: Chardon Ohio
If you are talking about the handle that opens the door, you do not have to remove the door panel to replace this, But be sure that you did not snap off the ears of the Opening mechanism. These are notorious for their weakness, especially if the screw comes out and the handle comes partway off before releasing off the ears. If the ears are Ok then just grab the mechanism that holds the handle with a pair of channel locks and pull it out as if the handle were opening the door (you are actually opening the door with the channel locks). Then very carefully slip a screw driver in behind the mechanism to hold the latch out. Let go of the channel locks and the mechanism will remain in place. Slip on the door handle, and replace the screw.
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 194
Likes: 0
From: Hamilton Ontario
You are right...piece of cake. There are indeed 2 guide clips at the bottom of the door.
First you will have to remove the window crank handle and lock mechanism with a spring removal tool. Buy them at any autoparts shop for cheap. Next remove the 4 screws ( 2 of which are the clips) Then gently pull the top of the panel and it will separated from the nylon velcro holders. Carefully wiggle the panel up and out and gently work the panel out over any remaining piece of your door handle. Done.
Installation is the reverse.
First you will have to remove the window crank handle and lock mechanism with a spring removal tool. Buy them at any autoparts shop for cheap. Next remove the 4 screws ( 2 of which are the clips) Then gently pull the top of the panel and it will separated from the nylon velcro holders. Carefully wiggle the panel up and out and gently work the panel out over any remaining piece of your door handle. Done.
Installation is the reverse.
Last edited by Mark PittPayne; Sep 25, 2005 at 12:16 PM.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,036
Likes: 5
From: Raleigh NC
thanks for the help everyone. it appears the lower ear is broken 
I assume I need to get a new part now...this is what I need right?
link
I assume I need to get a new part now...this is what I need right?
link
Last edited by Sacredgrooves; Sep 25, 2005 at 12:38 PM.
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 159
Likes: 0
From: Chardon Ohio
Originally Posted by Sacredgrooves
thanks for the help everyone. it appears the lower ear is broken
I assume I need to get a new part now...this is what I need right?
link
I assume I need to get a new part now...this is what I need right?
link
Yes, you need a complete new Opening Mechansim. About $60.00. Can't just buy the part. Installation very simple. Just be sure that you replace the retainers exactly like they are removed from the rods. They are left and right handed.
