02 LS Rear Door Panel

[tkswan]

2002 LS V8. How do you remove the right rear door panel? My door lock is stuck. ...sounds/feels like it needs to be lubricated. The auto locks make a whining noise and I had to shut them off. ...im getting sick of this car!!!

[danielsatur]

How much do you want for her?

[shorod]

I would have sworn that I had replied to this. Evidently my reply didn't post.

Lift the little cover located within the door pull. There are two screws in there that need to be removed.

Then remove the three screws from the perimeter of the door panel, one in the rear, two along the bottom.

Next, remove the ashtray, then lift the door panel a short distance from the door frame and disconnect the electrical connections.

Unhook the door trim panel from the window sill and place the trim panel out of the way.

-Rod

[tkswan]

I have done everything that you suggested. But I need to know how to unhook (i.e. where are the hooks?) the panel off. I am afraid I am going to break something by not knowing how and where to pull on it.

Oh and sorry about the profanity. I am just frustrated with this car. Its always something. (Got a set of new yokohama s drive tires from tire rack) and learned that I have 2 out of round wheels. ...the 17 inch chrome 5 spoke.

[shorod]

Well, the service manual doesn't say anthing about plastic rivets, the "hook" I was referring to is along the top edge of the panel. The door panels usually hook over the sheet metal at the base of the window to form a seal. There probably are a few plastic snap rivets around the perimeter of the door. Any more, the rivets are pretty robust and typically don't break, so you'd probably be safe using a putty knife and a bright light to pry the panel away from the sheet metal door along the bottom edge, taking a peek for the closest rivet, then pulling the panel edge away from the door in that area. Once you get one loose, then continue around the perimeter.

-Rod