Having trouble with the door panels..

[Hondaenthusiast]

I've been trying to remove the door panel in my 1994 Si, but to no avail. I've removed all the screws on the outside, removed the black face plate for the handle, un plugged the lock/window switch, removed the screw for the vent face plate (top of the door panel).. and thats all I can think of for now. Can anyone thoroughly describe how to remove the door panel from the beginning, or where I left off if they understand my position? I know there are other threads with similar dilemas, but I've read through them, and it hasn't proved much worth. Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks

[Rugger Number 8]

I just looked at the service manual yesterday (for 5th gen) for that exact procedure (there is a rattle in my pass door, probably from the numerous slim-jim invasions; I've been locked out twice). It showed in detail the locations of all the screws, and more importantly the pop fasteners (of which there are a number, of different types), as well as the order in which to remove them. If you're serious about doing your own work, you should think about buying the service manual - it is complete, and will save you some major $, as well as headaches. I ordered mine from www.helminc.com. I forget what it cost, but you can check it out. It'll tell you any tools you need, as well as the exact type of all the fasteners, so you can replace them as needed for a stock fit and finish (otherwise it may not go back on quite like it was). Aside from that, I can tell you there was a step where you needed to carefully lift the panel up to release it (just so you don't go pulling too hard and break anything). Good luck with it....... the manual is in my apt in CA, and I'm in VA right now, otherwise I'd be more specific.

[Black92LudeSI]

you want to lift the door panel up like mentioned previously. This is because there is a lip that sits right near where the window is. Lift up, pull out.

[Hondaenthusiast]

Thanks for the help guys, I sucessfully got it off. I didn't even realize that there was a window lip for the window on top, but sure enough, it popped right out. I just was a little too ginger with it in the beginning.. didn't want to cause any uneccessary damage, but once I gave it a good tug, it was on its way out.

Thanks for the advice on the handbook Rugger, I try to be a hands on guy, but sometimes I don't know all of the info.. heh. I'll definitely think about picking up a guide.. I'm just sad that the car didn't come with an owners manual. =(

The reason why I had to remove the panel was to replace the window motor.. it slowed down, then eventually died. If you guys have any say, or any tips, go right ahead, your insight would be appreciated, otherwise I have the part I just need to get crackin.

[Rugger Number 8]

wish you had mentioned the window crankin before, cause you might have been able to save yourself some trouble! I had the same problem with my last car, a 94 Legend GS. I was able to fix it by cleaning out the window tracks with some cotton swabs and alcohol, then applying some silicon lubricant spray. It's a maintainence item they don't really tell you about. As far as wishin you had a manual, they sell them at that same website as the service manuals.

www.helminc.com

[Hondaenthusiast]

Hmm.. I've got the new motor in, and the panel back on.. everything works well, but the motor is a little slow. So.. I just swap right where the window meets the track? Should I roll it down first?

[Rugger Number 8]

yeah, just roll down the window, put some rubbing alcohol on the tip of the swab, and run it along all the surfaces of the track. It should come out looking pretty dirty...... do this until they're reasonably clean, then take a can of silicon lubricant (works better than WD-40) and spray that in the tracks (or wipe some on all the surfaces where the window and track rub). The window should work fine after that. Do this every time they start to slow down, or at least once or twice a year.