Interior decorative door panel — removal and installation

1. Remove the retaining clip from the window lift mechanism handle. To do this, move the socket located between the handle and the interior trim panel of the door and pull out the clip using a wire with a loop on the end. Alternatively, you can place a strip of fabric between the handle and the door panel and move it back and forth to engage the ends of the clamp. Remove the handle, socket and clamp.

2. Unscrew the two clips and remove the armrest (see photo 12.2 A). On later models equipped with a storage armrest, release the cover to access the rear mounting screw, then release and remove the bottom of the interior door handle to access the three front mounting screws (see photo 12.2 V and C). Remove the interior door handle trim.








3. Unscrew and remove the lock plunger button (see photo 12.3).



4. Insert your fingers or a wide blade between the decorative interior panel and the door, and pry the panel away from the door. This must be done with a jerk to release the plastic fastening clips from the holes in the door panel. The clamps are very tight and break easily, so it is recommended to purchase spare clamps in advance in case the existing ones break during operation (see photo 12.4).




5. After the inner decorative panel is removed, you can release the door lock remote control trim socket (see photo 12.5).



6. Reinstall by following the above steps in reverse order, but note that the power window handle spring clip is in place before reinstalling the handle itself. Then the handle together with the clamp is simply put on the cottered shaft of the mechanism and tapped into its final position by hand (see photo 12.6).