Removing Door Panels

There could be various reasons for you to remove car's door panels. Sometimes your windows are not rolling down properly. There could be a problem with your door handle not functioning as expected. Door locks can also get jammed. If you have provision for speakers on your door panel, it is likely you would install them. Apart from all these reasons, you might simply want to replace it with a new one. Whatever you motive, removing them is a simple process which can easily be done.

Materials Required

Prior to learning steps on how to remove the door panels, you will need to arrange for the following tools:

• Ratchet
• Socket
• 'L' pick
• Set of screwdrivers
• Small flashlight

Makes sure you have all these tools at hand.

Taking Off the Door Panels

Step 1
Before removing the door panels from your car, you should figure out how these panels are fitted in the car. A majority of panels are attached with screws and bolts, while a few of them have snap-in fittings. Accordingly determine what tools to keep with you while going about the task. For snap-in fittings, a screwdriver (flat-headed) should be enough, while you would require a ratchet or socket to remove screws and bolts.

Step 2
Normally, screws and bolts are present near the door lights or below the arm rest area. Find out their exact location. Bring down your car windows and start removing screws and bolts, which are keeping your doors attached to your car. In case your car has snap-in fittings, pry them out from the bottom corner of your panel. In case you have power windows, take out it's control panel.

Step 3
If your car has manual windows, you will have to locate the manual window crank, using a flashlight. With the help of a 'L' pick to remove the metal clip which keeps the crank in its position. Once the clip is removed, simply pull the crank out.

Step 4
Next, you will have to take out the door handle. Use your screwdriver to unscrew a small screw you will find at the center of the handle. Carefully pull the door handle and after it is slightly out, remove the clip from behind it to release it from the rod. After this, remove screws from the panel's lock.

Step 5
Once everything is removed, gently take the door panel off by prying on its bottom edge. Pull it upwards and take it out with your hands.

Tips and Tricks

• Panel locks, generally, are not attached to the handle with a rod. In case they are, you will have to remove clips which are holding the rod and door panel locks and then remove them.
• Be gentle while you are trying to remove the panel. You do not want to damage it while removal.
• If you are replacing it, ensure that you buy only original parts or parts recommended by the manufacturer. Sub-standard parts do not always fit well.
• It is advisable to keep your car manual with you as a reference.
• Not all cars have the exact mechanism. There may be minor alterations which you would come to know by going through the manual.

Following the steps and you can easily fulfill your task of removing the door panels to your car. This will also help you save money which you would, otherwise, have spent on a simple car repair job.