Hi this is Dusty, I'm one of the auto experts on RepairPal's Car Genius team!
Ah, tackling the interior door panel can feel like stepping into a bit of a mystery, but fear not!
Removing it without any damage is totally doable with the right approach.
Typically, you'll want to start by locating and removing any fasteners holding the panel in place.
These are often hidden behind small covers or trim pieces, so a gentle exploration with a small flathead screwdriver, or a credit card can reveal them.
Start with removing the outer cover on the door handle (not the lock handle though, the push/pull handle), then there's three screws which must be removed.
Once you have those out, use a plastic or non-marring tool to wedge the edges of the interior door panel away (start from the bottom) from the door.
Take your time, go slow, to mitigate or minimize any damage to the panel.
Then unclip the door trim from the retainers (along the window seal) at the top of the door and disconnect the power window switch connector.
Gently hold the panel out of the way and disconnect the door latch cable and the associated electrical connector from the door.
Then the panel should be free, be sure to replace any damaged clips, there are two colors, white (7 of these) and brown (just 1), be sure to orient them to the correct locations.
Once you've made the repairs inside the door panel, be sure to check for proper operation as you reinstate all of the components removed for access.
If you have any other questions or would like to help with finding a RepairPal Certified shop in your area, give us a call!
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