removing door panel 97 lx
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Re: removing door panel 97 lx (19jetta91)
Just take your time, and don't be too rough on any removal, so as not to break any pieces. You may want to turn off the dome light, and take out the courtesy light bulb in the door (optional), before you start.
Tools needed: Philips screwdrivers, and small flat head screwdriver, trim pad clip remover (optional).
1. Take off the black plastic cover for the side mirror. Pull out slightly, then up to remove. You can just use your hands.
2. If the car has power door locks, pry the cap inside the door lock cover, to access the one screw. Remove screw.
Pull the inner handle forward and out slightly, and disconnect the power door lock electrical connector. Then disconnect the metal handle rod, this is done by using the small flat head screwdriver to push the purple plastic tab (to rotate the plastic tab), off the metal rod. The plastic tab rotates clockwise to release the rod. (Be careful not break the plastic tab.)
3. Remove the armrest screws (there are 2). One is under a plastic cap.
4. There is one plastic clip/plug (visible at the top corner door panel, near the mirror). Use a very small flat head screwdriver to pry the clip out at the slot (look for the slot, there is one on the head of the clip.) Sometimes I use 2 flat head screwdrivers on opposite sides to pry it out.
5. After that, I just use my hand to firmly pull the door panel off, starting near the front-bottom of the panel. Once the first hidden clip releases, the rest is cake. I just slide my hand under the panel after the first hidden clip is loosen, and work my way around the panel. (You can use a pry tool, to get the ten hidden door panel clips out of the door, but I just use my hand, it not too hard.)
6. Disconnect all the electrical connectors.
7. To remove panel after that, pull up slightly from bottom, then up.
Tools needed: Philips screwdrivers, and small flat head screwdriver, trim pad clip remover (optional).
1. Take off the black plastic cover for the side mirror. Pull out slightly, then up to remove. You can just use your hands.
2. If the car has power door locks, pry the cap inside the door lock cover, to access the one screw. Remove screw.
Pull the inner handle forward and out slightly, and disconnect the power door lock electrical connector. Then disconnect the metal handle rod, this is done by using the small flat head screwdriver to push the purple plastic tab (to rotate the plastic tab), off the metal rod. The plastic tab rotates clockwise to release the rod. (Be careful not break the plastic tab.)
3. Remove the armrest screws (there are 2). One is under a plastic cap.
4. There is one plastic clip/plug (visible at the top corner door panel, near the mirror). Use a very small flat head screwdriver to pry the clip out at the slot (look for the slot, there is one on the head of the clip.) Sometimes I use 2 flat head screwdrivers on opposite sides to pry it out.
5. After that, I just use my hand to firmly pull the door panel off, starting near the front-bottom of the panel. Once the first hidden clip releases, the rest is cake. I just slide my hand under the panel after the first hidden clip is loosen, and work my way around the panel. (You can use a pry tool, to get the ten hidden door panel clips out of the door, but I just use my hand, it not too hard.)
6. Disconnect all the electrical connectors.
7. To remove panel after that, pull up slightly from bottom, then up.
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