Removing the door panel on a '98 Mercury Villager should be done carefully, and without undue pressure. The door panel is held on with plastic trim fasteners with serrated edges. They are pushed into holes in the door. The serrated edges keep the fasteners from coming out. These fasteners are easily broken if excessive pressure is applied.
Unscrew and remove the four Phillips screws located on the latch side and bottom of the panel. Remove the screw located directly below the inside-door handle.
Insert the common screwdriver between the top rear of the door panel and the door. Gently slide the screwdriver down until it contacts one of the trim fasteners. Use the screwdriver to pry the fastener out of the door. Continue removing the fasteners in this fashion, along all three sides of the door panel.
Lift up gently on the panel to release the top door-lock button. Pull the panel away from the door just enough to disconnect the electrical connectors on the back of the door panel. Disconnect the electrical connectors. Lift the door panel off the door.
