I pushed the button to open my trunk on Friday and pushed it into the bottom of the door panel. I'm just wondering if anyone knows the easiest way to remove the door panel so that I can glue the button in the panel to prevent this from happening again. I have to fix it before the next time I need gas ( I think unless there is a manual release in the trunk or something). Anyway thanks in advance for any help.

 

On the inside of door, hinge side, there's a plastic button the size of a quarter. Pop that off and unscrew the screw that it covers.
Look in the part where you're supposed to grab to pull the door shut from the inside. There's a rectangular plate to pry off that covers another Philips screw.
Finally, with a pair of pliers, carefully pull the three pegs on the jamb side. You should be ready to pull the panel. Lift up (the panel sits on a rail at the top of the door), and pull the bottom part away from the door (it's held on by 3 or 4 pressure-sensitive pegs).
You can then unplug the harnesses for the window/door locks, and the gas/trunk release. There might be a separate connector for the puddle lamp as well.

 

squarehat, i think your ES might be a little different.

i have a 92' ES, and i just recently had to replace my window switch.
there's 3 pegs (two pieces for each peg) on the side of the door, 1 on the hinge side, and 2 on the other.
after removing those, there's 1 screw in the bottom of the hole made to hold on to when closing your door.
after removing that screw, just slide your hand along the two sides and bottom of the door panel. you'll have to pop out about 4 more pegs.
once that's done just lift the panel up and unhook the clips like squarehat said. then you should be able to do everything from there.

Curtis

 

Thanks. Hopefully I'll be able to take care of this tomorrow at work if it isn't too busy. I guess what ever clips the buttons in just wore out and let go. I'd do it in my driveway but it's getting so cold.

Thanks.

 

Integrator-I had the same problem. I pressed a little too hard on my reluctant trunk-opening button, and I pushed both switches down inside the door. What I have been doing at the gas station is to open the trunk with my key, and pull the plastic T-shaped handle that is velcro-ed to the inside of the trunk on the drivers side. That opens the gas cap door.

 

It should be really easy to fix if you know how to get into it. Nothing to take the car to the dealership for. Good luck.

Adam " Lexist "

 

Hi, I just had the same problem--pushed the trunk button and it went inside the panel. Does this fix also work on a lexus IS 350 (2006)? Or is it different? Any tips are appreciated. Thanks.