How to Remove the Inner Door Panel in a Saturn S-Series Car

The door panels in a Saturn are easily removed with the proper tools.

The inside door panel of your car provides a finished appearance and in many cases functions as the mounting location for power accessory switches. Removal of the door panel is required to access and repair door locks, speakers and window regulators in a Saturn S-series car. Successfully removing the door panels without damage can be difficult due to the hidden door panel hooks on the back of the panel. The average home mechanic can successfully remove the door panel without damage and make necessary repairs at home if he follows the procedure carefully.

Things You'll Need

• Screwdriver set
• Window crank removal tool
• Door latch pull rod

Instructions

1. Detach the window crank retaining clip by sliding the window crank removal tool behind the window crank in line with the window crank knob. Push the tool against the retaining clip until the clip slides out and the window crank can be removed along with the plastic washer behind it. Slide the retaining clip into the slot in the back of the window crank to prevent losing the clip.

2. Remove the side mirror trim cover by prying it off the inside of the doorframe with a large screwdriver. Remove the inside door latch. Remove the No. 2 size Phillips head screw that attaches the latch to the door using a screwdriver. Slide the latch assembly forward towards the front of the car and pry the back edge of the latch assembly out of the door panel. Rotate the latch towards you and unclip the pull rod retainers from the pull rods on the back of the latch. Slide the pull rods that operate the manual lock and release mechanisms using a pull rod tool to pry the rods out of the retainers.

3. Take off the door lock switch electrical connector from the door latch by pressing the pushing the retainer on the plug as you pull the plug out of the lock switch. Remove the two Phillips head screws found below the door pull using a screwdriver and remove the one Phillips head screw on the lower rear corner of the door panel.

4. Slide the panel up to disengage the hooks behind the door panel from the doorframe. Pull out on the panel and remove it from the door. Lay the panel aside.

5. Reinstall the panel after making the required repairs by sliding the hooks on the back of the panel into the square openings on the doorframe. Push down on the panel until it slides into place on the doorframe. Reinstall the screws, door latch and mirror trim in the reverse order of removal.

References

• YouTube: Saturn S-series Door Panel Removal