QuestionI have a 1999 Ford Explorer, Limited. How do I remove the interior door panel on the passanger side. I have removed the two screws under the arm rest and the locking knob but it seems very hard to pull on the panel and I'm concerned that once I get it off, will I be able to put it back on. Any tips.
AnswerJennifer,
The door panel retainers on a Ford Explorer are usually the push pin type. This is a rather hard nylon ribbed pin that locks into a hole in the door frame.Yes,they are stiff to pull out.
Once you have all the metal screws removed,you would have to slide a nylon knife under the lower section of the door panel,between the door panel and the door frame.The nylon knife is used to minimize damage to the door panel itself and the paint on the door frame.Also known as a plastic knife,they are also used in the auto glass business and can be bought in most auto part stores that sell auto glass supplies.
Remember,you are doing this laying on the floor,looking at the lower section of the door.
You would want to insert the plastic knife in a section between two retaining pins.Then,with the knife inserted 1/3 the length of the knife between the frame and door panel, you would apply a steady outward pressure on the door panel,enough to see the retaining pins.
Basicaly, you are prying the two pieces apart.The purpose of this action is to locate the retaining pins holding the door panel in place.Now that the pins have been located, you will need a tool called a interior plug puller.This is a hand tool with a "Y" shaped end to fit around the shaft of the retaining pins.This tool can be bought at most auto part stores.
Slide the 'Y' shaped end of the tool over the exposed shaft of the retaining pin.While applying outward pressure on the door panel with the tool on the pins with one hand,you will use your other hand to grab hold of the door panel itself and pull the two apart.The pins should pull out of the door frame and free the door panel.
If you do not use this tool and just decide to yank the door panel off, the chance of breaking the molded piece in the door panel that
holds the pin in place is high.That is not good because you will no longer have a retainer to hold the pin in place and your door panel will rattle.
Don't worry about breaking the retainer pins themselves.That does happen,and for that reason,most ford dealerships stock those pins should they need to be replaced.
Tools required: nylon knife, interior plug puller
Drew Young
Rainchaser
Auto-Water-Leaks.com
