DIY: Removing the Door Panel

[TheFrozenTundra]

This is a step-by-step process for removing your door panels. It is quite easy and you just need a few tools:

1. Phillips screwdriver
2. A thin prying implement such as a flat screwdriver or butter knife.
3. A safe place for screws so you don't lose them.

Step 1: Remove the felt in the door handle:


Step 2: Remove the screw. Put it somewhere you won't lose it.


Step 3: Remove the plastic cover behind the door open/close handle.


Step 4: Unscrew and put the screw somewhere safe.


Step 5: Gently pry the electric window housing away from the door. It is a module and is NOT just a cover so the window lever comes too.


Step 6: Using your fingers, gently lift the module up and off the door.


Step 7: There are two sets of wires you must remove. Pinch the white sections in the right part and they will unhook.


Once unhooked, it will look like this:


Step 8: Gently pull off the cover that sits opposite the side-view mirror.

This is what it will look like once the cover is off:


Step 9: There is a unique "screw" holding the door. You need to press the center piece inwards and then remove it.


It will look like this:



Step 10: Begin to remove the door from the BOTTOM by placing your hand underneath, finding a handhold, and gently pulling. You will hear popping. This is the sound of the white clips coming off of the door. From time to time you may break one; fear not they are cheap to replace at your local Toyota dealer.


Step 11: The door is hanging on by the top sill. Once you pull from the bottom, you need to lift UP so it comes off of the lip. However, there are still connections to remove so do not pull hard and be sure to keep the door suspended in your hands and not drop.


Step 12: Unclip the bottom door light. This picture is NOT the correct light. The light is actually inside the part you are removing. You have to pinch it and pull it towards the car. The white felt in the picture leads to what I am referring to.


Step 13: Unhook the door cables. Unhook the white and green plastic pieces and then lift the silver ball out of its housing. Remember green is on the bottom and white on the top.


Step 14: Check for the white "missle" clips in the door. If you find any, carefully remove them and slide back into the plastic door housing that you just removed.


They look like this:


The door should now be off! Put it somewhere safe.

I hope you find this helpful. I take no responsibility for any damage to your truck, you, your dog, cat, stuffed animals, Milli Vanilli collection etc. Always use Toyota Authorized Technicians.

[ebenke]

Nice step by step, clear, I think many will find this useful.

Thanks!

[dariusld]

Left me with no questions, very clear . Thank You.

[jarheadfor4]

Dude....that was awesome!

Now I can replace my own speakers.

All I need now is permission from my financial consultant (wife).

[Totex]

Thanks for taking the time to post this info.

[Henry T]

Good job and nice work showing the easy way to remove Pwr window/locks harness plug.

[daless2]

Well done,

Thanks for taking the time to post the details for the rest of us.

Frank

[ThirdHorseman]

Good job and nice work showing the easy way to remove Pwr window/locks harness plug.

I second that! I always take the entire panel off and grapple behind there to unplug the stupid harnesses. This is much better

[TheFrozenTundra]

Sure thing, I had to learn so I could replace a side-view mirror. Then I decided to Peel and Seal all the doors and panel behind the rear seats. I will tackle the floorboards at some point.

[RolandFJ40]

Thanks! That's one less thing to worry about when I tear my truck apart next month for the stereo install. I'm hoping 3 full days will be enough!

[2XOverhead]

Thanks for your time and effort, great DIY!

[CrewMaxter]

Good step by step. I can finally replace my own speakers.

[MTeator]

Has anyone else had the holes for the door panel clips tear out? When I pulled the door panels off some of the white clips stayed in the door and tore through the black plastic. Now I can't use clips in those areas. So far no rattle, but annoying knowing the door is hanging loose in a few places.

[iowabuckhunter]

Good job and nice work showing the easy way to remove Pwr window/locks harness plug.

No kidding, wish I saw this a motnh ago, I removed the Pwr window/locks haness plugs the hard way....almost standing on my head....:der:

[RudyDep]

Great post. Points sent. I saw a LED puddle light mod that I was considering. The only hard part in my mind was removing the door panels. Not any more !!!