How to Remove Car Door Panels

The process of removing car door panels is essentially the same for each make of car. You may need to remove these panels when your fixing locks or power windows, replacing window cranks, installing speakers or replacing the side mirrors. Learning how to remove the panels yourself can save money on simple car repairs.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Set of screwdrivers
• L pick
• Small flashlight
• Ratchet and socket

1. Check out how the door panels are attached to the car. Most panels use screws and bolts but others have snap-in fittings. Gather all the tools you need for removing the door panels. If the panel is attached with screws and bolts, you need a screwdriver or ratchet and socket. Car door panels with snap-in fittings are easily removed with a flathead screwdriver.

2. Locate where the screws and bolts are before starting. These are usually found in the arm rest area, along the bottom or sometimes near the door lights.

3. Roll down the car door window. Begin removing all screws and bolts that hold the door panel onto the car. If your car has snap-in fittings, pry gently on the bottom corner of the door panel until the fittings pop out.

4. Remove the power window control panel if your car has power windows. The control panel should pry out easily, and then you unplug the wiring harness from the back and place it to the side.

5. Use an L pick and flashlight when locating a manual window crank. Look behind the window crank and slide the pick under the edge of the metal clip that holds the crank in place. Remove the clip and pull the crank off.

6. Remove the door handle by unscrewing the small screw located in the center. Gently pull the door handle out until you see the back of the handle and unclip the rod from the door handle. This should remove the handle unless the handle and door lock are attached, then you just unclip the rod from the lock and remove them both together.

7. Unscrew the cap off rear upper corner door panel locks. These don't have a rod attaching them to the handle and unscrew separately from the door handle.

8. Pop the door panel off after you've removed everything. Gently pry on the bottom edge of the door panel until it releases. Pull out and up to completely remove the door panel.

Tips & Warnings

• Replace the car door panels by reversing these steps.