ES300 (1993) Door Panel Removal DIY
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ES300 (1993) Door Panel Removal DIY
I noticed that this is often asked about, and lots of reasons to go inside the door, so here's a simple step-by-step how-to. Referring to the numbers on the tape by the fasteners in the picture:
1. This isn't really a fastener, but the door handle escutcheon/trim piece is removed by prying gently out at the top and bottom left side corners.
Note: I bought a set of plastic trim removal tools, HIGHLY RECOMMENDED for all of the plastic crap clips and such on today's cars, but a taped screwdriver or putty knife can also work.
2. Pry off the cap and remove the phillips screw.
3. Take out the felt liner and remove the screw inside the hand-hold in the armrest.
4 and 5. These are 2-piece pins, 4 is shorter than 5. Use a pointed tool to push in on the pin, then remove the insert that it fits into (spreads apart when the pin is re-inserted).
6 - 10. These are friction-fit pins. Pry out gently as close to each as possible. The plastic removal tool set has several with nice fork-like ends that fit properly.
After all the fasteners are out/released, wiggle the panel upward from the left side to release the steel bar from the clips at the top of the door, manouvering it out around the tweeter enclosure at the front.
1. This isn't really a fastener, but the door handle escutcheon/trim piece is removed by prying gently out at the top and bottom left side corners.
Note: I bought a set of plastic trim removal tools, HIGHLY RECOMMENDED for all of the plastic crap clips and such on today's cars, but a taped screwdriver or putty knife can also work.
2. Pry off the cap and remove the phillips screw.
3. Take out the felt liner and remove the screw inside the hand-hold in the armrest.
4 and 5. These are 2-piece pins, 4 is shorter than 5. Use a pointed tool to push in on the pin, then remove the insert that it fits into (spreads apart when the pin is re-inserted).
6 - 10. These are friction-fit pins. Pry out gently as close to each as possible. The plastic removal tool set has several with nice fork-like ends that fit properly.
After all the fasteners are out/released, wiggle the panel upward from the left side to release the steel bar from the clips at the top of the door, manouvering it out around the tweeter enclosure at the front.
Last edited by donbryce; 11-23-11 at 06:53 AM.
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Ezroni (02-20-22)
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