1997 Honda Civic LX door panel removal??

I have a 1997 Honda Civic LX with power windows. The driver side window rolls down smoothly, but it rolls up with a struggle and a squeal. I believe that adjusting and lubricating the glass/regulator will fix this problem. But to access these components, I must remove the driver-side door panel.

Instructions for removing this panel are in page 20-4 of my 1996 - 2000 Honda Service Manual. The instructions are clear except for step 3, the instruction for removing the "door grip cover". The "door grip cover" is just the plastic cover for the master power-window switch assembly. The instruction shows a pry point to release this cover. But the cover refuses to come off no matter how I pry. Any suggestions for removing this cover are appreciated.

:banghead:

Theres A Screw You Need To Take Out...you Dont Really Need To Take That Cover Off...just Unscrew The Phillips Head Screw In That Little "pocket" And The Door Panel Should Come Out

The Service Manual shows a screw inside the "arm rest pocket" for the 2-door and 3-door models. I have a 4-door model. I don't see a screw and the manual doesn't show one for this particular model.

The window power-switch cable is located behind the door panel. The service manual shows that the "door grip cover" must be removed to access the cable connector. The cable must be disconnected from the power switch in order to remove the door panel.

If you look near the front of the "door grip cover" you should see a small tab. Just use a screwdriver to press this tab in, while pulling on the cover, it should just pop off. Then there are 2 screws in the handle attaching to the door frame.

yea the service manual instructions are really blah on this thing, i just dealt with it the other day and about to change one of my regulators so i'm gonna deal with it again in a few days, i don't even like messing with the stupid door panels

Alphalanos,


I pushed the tab in (i.e., the tab facing the windshield) and pulled the "door grip cover" in every possible direction (up, down, towards me, ...etc) but the cover refuses to come off. The tab is scarred from the forceful prying. :shakehead

Does the "door grip cover" in your Honda come off easily? What could I possibly be doing wrong? :uhoh:

Surely someone in this forum must know how to remove the driver-side door panel.

Two screws inside the door grip (window switch assembly) are the only things holding the door panel to the door. How the heck do I remove the "door grip cover" to access these screws?

:disappoin

Mine comes off with little effort. All I can really say is grab onto it and just use your body weight. :grinno: