Driver's Door Panel Removal
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From: Valley of the Sun AZ
Driver's Door Panel Removal
I have searched and could not find the answer to this question. I have a 2001 XLT and cannot get the drivers side pannel off. I have removed the one screw in the upper right, but I cannot see any other screws. I have removed the pannels on the passanger rear with not problem and my F-150, but this has me perplexed. What am I missing on this sucker. I know that I have to lift it out and have tried to the extent that the truck is rocking.
Thanks.....
Thanks.....
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This is a cut-and-paste of a post I made a couple of years ago.
First step is to remove the triangular shaped piece of plastic trim at the front corner of the window ledge. It is anchored to the top of the door panel and also into the side of the door. Pull the top of the triangle slightly towards you to loosen the serrated plastic spike that holds it to the side of the door, then slowly lift the assembly upwards to remove it from the top of the door panel. Leave your muscles at home for this one (be delicate). I think you may now see a screw that holds the top of the panel to the door. If so, unscrew it.
Next, with your bare hands, pull up the power window switch control panel and unplug the harnesses from the panel. I THINK that this reveals another screw holding the panel to the door, but I'm not 100% on this.
Then, using a flat bladed screwdriver, carefully loosen the oval piece of trim at the base of the inside door handle and unbolt the handle from the door.
There is a bolt or screw hidden in the housing for the interior door light. Carefully pry off the lens by inserting a flat-bladed screwdriver in the slot on the side of the lens.
Next is the actual removal of the door panel. During this process you have to unplug the wiring harness for the power mirror switch, so bear that in mind. Forget everything you recall about removing door panels on other cars. YOU MUST lift THE PANEL STRAIGHT UP ABOUT 3-4 INCHES TO REMOVE. Do not attempt to pull the panel towards you unless you like the idea of broken, irreplaceable plastic mounting hooks.
Installation is the reverse. Make sure that you line the panel up carefully before sliding it back down. Pay particular attention to the positioning of the door lock button.
Good luck.
First step is to remove the triangular shaped piece of plastic trim at the front corner of the window ledge. It is anchored to the top of the door panel and also into the side of the door. Pull the top of the triangle slightly towards you to loosen the serrated plastic spike that holds it to the side of the door, then slowly lift the assembly upwards to remove it from the top of the door panel. Leave your muscles at home for this one (be delicate). I think you may now see a screw that holds the top of the panel to the door. If so, unscrew it.
Next, with your bare hands, pull up the power window switch control panel and unplug the harnesses from the panel. I THINK that this reveals another screw holding the panel to the door, but I'm not 100% on this.
Then, using a flat bladed screwdriver, carefully loosen the oval piece of trim at the base of the inside door handle and unbolt the handle from the door.
There is a bolt or screw hidden in the housing for the interior door light. Carefully pry off the lens by inserting a flat-bladed screwdriver in the slot on the side of the lens.
Next is the actual removal of the door panel. During this process you have to unplug the wiring harness for the power mirror switch, so bear that in mind. Forget everything you recall about removing door panels on other cars. YOU MUST lift THE PANEL STRAIGHT UP ABOUT 3-4 INCHES TO REMOVE. Do not attempt to pull the panel towards you unless you like the idea of broken, irreplaceable plastic mounting hooks.
Installation is the reverse. Make sure that you line the panel up carefully before sliding it back down. Pay particular attention to the positioning of the door lock button.
Good luck.
Last edited by PaulC; Jul 9, 2005 at 11:52 PM.
