Door Panel Removal and Installation
Complete step-by-step procedure for removing and reinstalling the 944 door panels, covering all mounting screw locations, the door pocket, armrest, and the electric window switch connector.
Tools
- Phillips head screwdriver
- Probe or small flat tip screwdriver
- Door panel removal tool
Procedure
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Near the top of the door panel at the front and rear, locate two Phillips head screws concealed behind plastic covers. Pry off the plastic covers with a probe or small flat tip screwdriver, then remove the screws.
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Using a Phillips head screwdriver, remove the speaker grill from the door panel.
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If the vehicle has manual windows, remove the window crank handles.
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Remove the Phillips head screws along the bottom edge and at the front of the door pocket. Slide the pocket downward to remove it from the vehicle.
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With the door pocket removed, locate the plastic mounting block at the front of the door panel for the front pocket screw. Remove the mounting block with a Phillips screwdriver.
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Pull the interior door handle outward as if opening the door. A Phillips head screw is visible behind the handle and must be removed. This is an awkward operation — take care not to damage the door handle.
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Remove the three Phillips head screws underneath the door arm rest. These screws thread into the door at approximately a 45° angle.
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Along the rear corner of the door panel, plastic push plugs secure the panel to the door. Loosen these by lifting up on the back edge of the panel and prying the plugs loose with the door panel removal tool. A flat tip screwdriver can be used, but the door panel tool reduces the risk of damaging the plugs or tearing them from the panel back.
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All retaining hardware has now been removed. The door panel is hung on the door by a tab on the back of the panel that inserts into a slot in the door. To remove: lift up on the panel until the tab slides out of the slot, and clear the lock button at the top of the door.
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On vehicles with electric windows, disconnect the electrical connector plugs for the window switch. There are two plastic locking tabs on both the top and bottom of each switch connector — these tabs break easily. To release: slide a small flat tip screwdriver under both tabs on one side simultaneously, lift just enough to disengage, pull that side of the plug back slightly, then repeat on the other side.
Installation is the reverse of removal.