How to Remove a GMC Door Panel to Fix Power Windows

GMC door panels are simultaneously among the easiest and hardest door panels to remove. The job is easy because it only takes a little knowledge of how the car works; it's difficult because there are so many electrical components that have to be detached and re-attached. If you follow the correct steps, you can remove the door panel to access the power windows with ease. No longer do you have to take the car to the shop to remove the door; you can do it yourself in just 1 or 2 hours. (These directions pertain to a GMC car year 1999 or later.)

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Pry bar Phillips-head screwdriver Flat-head screwdriver 7mm socket and extension Bucket Door-panel removal tool

1. Open the car or truck door. Remove the switch panel on the arm rest. Insert a pry bar into the groove under the switch panel. Gently pry the switchboard out from the armrest. Pull the switch cluster away from the door and release the electrical connectors. Use a small flat-head screwdriver to press on the release tabs.

2. Unscrew the screw that is holding the door-release panel in place. Pull the handle cover away from the door and off the handle.

3. Unscrew the screws underneath the armrest (there will most likely be two of them). Use a 7mm socket and extension to reach the screws. They cannot be unscrewed by a regular screwdriver, due to their placement.

4. Pry off the door panel with the door-removal tool. If you don't have one, you can use the pry bar. Just be extra careful: There are about nine push-in fasteners that hold the door panel in place. Locate these fasteners and only pry directly around them. The door panel can easily break if you don't follow this direction, and the fasteners can break easily as well.

5. Remove the rubber sheeting covering the door mechanisms. It should pull away easily. Make a mental note of how to replace the sheet, as it can be a pain to put back if you forget how it goes. Take a picture if you like, to make things easier.

6. Reach in behind where the rubber sheeting used to be. You should be able to easily access the power window panel so you can fix the windows. Remove the device by using a screwdriver to release the electric connectors, as you did earlier with the armrest switches.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep screws in a safe area. Separate the screws by placement, to make it easier for you to determine which screws go where when replacing the door panel.
• Do not take off the door panel unless you know how to fix the mechanisms inside. The delicate connectors of the GMC door panel can be easily damaged.