You may need to hold the latch open in order to access the fastening screw. Door panel mounting screws are often covered by small panels in various locations of the door panel, and you can look for screw covers in the door handles and along the panel edges.
Don’t yank or twist the latch or you could damage the connecting clips. Be careful not to squeeze the latch too hard with the pliers or you could crack or crush it. Be patient and use as little force as possible when prying on a clip. This will reduce damage to the clip, your pry tool, and the vehicle, reducing rework and headaches. The attachment methods used are diverse and it can be difficult to find and remove some of those attachments. A quality video showing you exactly how the panel is attached will speed up the process and greatly reduce the risk and frustration.
The control panel is held in place by small connecting clips that can be easily damaged if you snap or jerk the screwdriver to remove it.
Some plugs may have clips that you need to press while you pull them to remove them. Don’t try to force or yank on the plugs or you could damage them.
There may also be a plastic washer behind the crank, so make sure you don’t lose it when you pull it off if you plan to reassemble the door panel later.
Don’t snap the armrest cover or you could crack it or damage the clips holding it in place.
If you can’t get the cover off with your hands, wedge a screwdriver into the edge of it and pry it off.
The wire harness may require you to pinch or hold the clip holding it in place. Speakers can be damaged easily so don’t drop it or yank it from the door panel.
Fastening screws can be installed in a variety of locations depending on your car door, so be sure to look all around for the covers that conceal them.
If there are any spots that won’t wiggle, there may be a fastening screw that you missed. Gently wiggling the panel will loosen the connecting clips, making it easier to remove.
Don’t pull at an upward or downward angle or the clips won’t release the panel. Avoid using multiple, jerky motions. If the panel is difficult to remove, check that you’ve removed all of the fastening screws and trim pieces that may be holding it in place.
