How Remove 2008 RX350 front right door panel on

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Apr 11, 2015 | 04:42 PM

Kbattie

Thread Starter

Driver School Candidate

Joined: Apr 2015

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From: Washington

How Remove 2008 RX350 front right door panel on

I'm changing the passenger side mirror - the full unit including housing. It is a power heated mirror with memory. Dealer wants to charge $800. I've found new replacement units online for about $100, but before ordering I need to make sure that the wire bundle plug connector from the existing mirror matches exactly and to get at the connector plug location I need to remove the door panel. I've seen some you-tube videos on later models like 2012, but while similar, are not exactly the same and I don't want to damage it by missing some hidden screw or something.

The 3 bolts holding the mirror are easy. So are the two Philips head screws in the door grab well and under the plastic pop out under the door handle pull. As is popping off the window/lock panel section and unplugging it.

However I'm not sure what else is needed to be able to pop off & remove the panel and I don't want to damage it.

Thanks

Apr 17, 2015 | 12:06 PM

Turbostar

Pit Crew

Joined: Apr 2015

Posts: 224

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From: TX

A few things I would recommend to ALL RX owners that want to do their own repairs:

1) Get a set of THESE. Makes doing interior work much easier while protecting the interior itself.

2) http://www.ebay.com/itm/TOYOTA-LEXUS-HIGHLANDER-RX300-RX330-RX350-SHOP-MANUAL-SERVICE-REPAIR-BOOK-HAYNES-/310591842940?fits=Year%3A2008%7CMake%3ALexus&hash=item4850b76a7c&vxp=mtr. I have one for every car I've ever owned (if they made one.)

3) Most door panels have some sort of pop clip around the outside. You can use the tools from #1 to pop them out. I've never done the door panels on an RX (...yet) but I would imagine it is similar to most other cars...also try looking for Toyota Highlander videos/threads also.

Apr 19, 2015 | 06:20 AM

JoeInHNL

Driver

Joined: May 2009

Posts: 157

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From: HI

This should help. It is for the drivers side, the passenger side is essentially the same. Not my document, just passing along the link.

https://docs.google.com/fileview?id=...CMDIxccM&pli=1

Apr 19, 2015 | 08:25 PM

evident

Racer

Joined: Jun 2009

Posts: 1,845

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From: PA

I followed those exact instructions today to tighten the screws on my driver's side mirror. make sure your door lock wire is in the right place when you attach the door card (inside panel) back to the metal door frame.

Apr 19, 2015 | 08:39 PM

jdpoetry

Driver School Candidate

Joined: Apr 2015

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From: Illinois

I'm sure that it is worth $800 if you want to be sure that the job is done right.

Apr 20, 2015 | 05:15 AM

nipponbird

Lead Lap

Joined: Jan 2014

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From: Rep of South Africa

Quote:

Originally Posted by jdpoetry

I'm sure that it is worth $800 if you want to be sure that the job is done right.

Taking off a door panel and replacing it is always a job that should be tackled with buckets full of patience, if you don't want to end up with broken plastic clips, ill fitting panel which allows dust into all the mechanisms inside a modern car door etc. etc.
I recommend the best levering tool set you can buy and buy beforehand spare plastic clips etc from a lexus dealer.

Apr 20, 2015 | 01:23 PM

Barry2522

Pit Crew

Joined: Jul 2014

Posts: 149

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From: In.

The factory mirror list price of 503.00 .Keep in mind it comes painted the correct color . Are you finding used ones for 100.00 or are they aftermarket ? Either one would need to be painted . Used would be a good deal aftermarket would not be as good of quality as OEM . I checked in my data base and aftermarket sell for 403.00 . I would be careful of one costing 100.00 .

Last edited by Barry2522; Apr 20, 2015 at 01:26 PM.