Each door panel in the Toyota Prius contains an integrated door armrest. However, the armrest is not permanently attached to the door panel. It is held on by plastic rivets.
You can remove the armrest with ease. However, you will need to remove the door panel first. Removing the armrest will allow you to make modifications to it or replace it with a new one.
Disconnect the negative (--) battery cable from the terminal. Open the hood and use the pliers to loosen the nut, and then separate the battery cable from the terminal. This prevents electrical shock.
Remove the Phillips screws. There are two Phillips screws securing the door panel to the door skin. One is inside the armrest storage compartment. The other is behind the interior door handle.
Remove the armrest window panel. The plastic control panel on your armrest holds your power window controls. Grasp the lower edge of the panel and pull it up. Disconnect the wiring harness from behind it.
Remove the corner speaker panel. Your front door panels have a triangular-shaped panel on the front corner. Pry this panel off with your hands, and disconnect the speaker connection from behind the panel.
Disconnect the door panel clips. Grasp the door panel at each corner, and tug it away. Repeat the process until the door panel clips are all disconnected (eight clips, all are on the sides and bottom).
Remove the door panel. Lift the door panel up carefully, and then slowly pull it away. Reach around the rear and disconnect the connection for the door panel courtesy light. Once the light is disconnected, the door panel will come off completely.
Position the door panel upside down (the rear exposed) on a table or workbench. Locate the armrest panel.
Remove the six "melted" plastic rivets from around the armrest panel. Use a knife or a pair of pliers. Removing the rivets will not damage the armrest. If you decide to reinstall it, you can replace them with screws.
Remove the armrest panel. Once the rivets are off, it will slide right off.
