Door panel removal problems...

[GMCSierra04]

Hi, I was trying to put on my painted door handles on my Sierra and I found a site that had a good write up on the R/R of the panels but the thing that is stopping me is the door lock switch/window switch panel. I can get the back part popped off but the front is being a bear! I dont want to break the plastic or damage anything so I figured I'd post and see if anyone had any "special" tips on getting it off or anything on the whole procedure. I really appreciate any help!

 

Thanks,

Zack

[DustinM]

just did mine last week, the window and lock pad pops of seperate of the door panel which i believe if i understand correctly is where you are having the problem... the plastic tabs have a metal insert on them and if you pull to hard they will slide off the tab and stay on the panel, but they can be put back on the tab afterwards... hope this helps and makes sense. Dustin

[mdub]

I understand your issue, as I went through the same scenario. When removing my '03 door panels, I referred to a nice internet write-up that explained the procedure for removing '99-'02 door panels. I assumed the procedure was the same for my '03. On the drivers side, I ended up breaking the tabs that you mentioned, only to find out the newer door panels don't require the removal of the switch panel. In fact, there is no correct way to remove the switch panel from the top by pulling -- the fastening screws for the window/lock switch panel can only be accessed from the underside of the door panel after removal. Leave the switches attached to the door panel, and simply unplug the electrical connectors once you have the door panel partially removed. Don't do as I did and break the holding tabs!

 

As I recall, the procedure is the same as the '99-'02 trucks, with the exception of the window/lock switch panel. You'll be surprised/impressed how easy it is to remove the door panels.

[DustinM]

I understand your issue, as I went through the same scenario.  When removing my '03 door panels, I referred to a nice internet write-up that explained the procedure for removing '99-'02 door panels.  I assumed the procedure was the same for my '03.  On the drivers side, I ended up breaking the tabs that you mentioned, only to find out the newer door panels don't require the removal of the switch panel.  In fact, there is no correct way to remove the switch panel from the top by pulling -- the fastening screws for the window/lock switch panel can only be accessed from the underside of the door panel after removal.  Leave the switches attached to the door panel, and simply unplug the electrical connectors once you have the door panel partially removed.  Don't do as I did and break the holding tabs! 

 

As I recall, the procedure is the same as the '99-'02 trucks, with the exception of the window/lock switch panel.  You'll be surprised/impressed how easy it is to remove the door panels.

 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

 

 

I stand corrected...i figured it would be the same for the '03-'04s as well.

[carguru]

For the '04, you will have either 2 screws (one under the door lock, the other at the bottom corner of the arm rest) or 3 screws and a push plug (2 screws in locations mentioned plus 1 screw under the rounded cap towards the latch side of the door panel and a push plug towards the hinge side of the door handle). Don't try to pry the window/lock control panel off. It will only break the trim piece, as already mentioned.

[GMCSierra04]

Awesome guys!!! Thanks so much for the responses, I know they will save me a lot of grief on my next attempt. So basically the best way to get the door panel off is to take off the arm rest screw, then begin to pull up from the bottom of the panel to gain enough space to get to the second screw behind the switches? This sound about right to you all? I should be alright now, I will post some pictures when I get them installed on the truck. I really appreciate all the help again!

[carguru]

No, remove the arm rest screw, pry the door lock slider out and remove the second screw here only. Don't mess with the control panel. There is no screw here securing the door panel to the door. This is an example of the later style door panel and screw/plug locations. If you don't have the plug and the cover in location for screw #3 and plug, you only have the 2 screws in the other 2 locations.

 

 

If you remove these screws, the door panel will slide right up and then you can unplug the connectors.