Replacing door lock switch

Joe Dirt said:

Careful though- the front door switch panels hook in differently- pop the panel off (remove 2 screws by the door handle and the door handle surround trim, it pops off)

Then pull the panel off (same clips hold it on)

Thanks for the info. I am still having a problem. I removed the 2 screws behind the door handle but am having trouble popping the arm rest/switch panel off. I tried prying it off but it didn't pop loose. I didn't want to break something so I didn't pry too hard. It seems like it's still attached somewhere. My Haynes manual was basically useless. It shows that the 96 & older models have all the switches on one black panel that simply pop off with a screwdriver. Mine's a 96 but there's no panel. All the switches come up through cutouts in the arm rest. What am I missing or doing wrong?

Thanks

Jim

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Bymet said:

Joe Dirt said:

Careful though- the front door switch panels hook in differently- pop the panel off (remove 2 screws by the door handle and the door handle surround trim, it pops off)

Then pull the panel off (same clips hold it on)

Thanks for the info. I am still having a problem. I removed the 2 screws behind the door handle but am having trouble popping the arm rest/switch panel off. I tried prying it off but it didn't pop loose. I didn't want to break something so I didn't pry too hard. It seems like it's still attached somewhere. My Haynes manual was basically useless. It shows that the 96 & older models have all the switches on one black panel that simply pop off with a screwdriver. Mine's a 96 but there's no panel. All the switches come up through cutouts in the arm rest. What am I missing or doing wrong?

Thanks

Jim

Click to expand...

The switches have to come through the back - it slides onto these little things that hold it in place. Just taking the screws out isnt enough - you need to pry all the white christmas trees out, as shown above. Then lift the panel off, unplug the power mirror switch, and youll be able to pull the panel off. The master switch will still be plugged into the door harness. Unplug, replace with new switch, and installation is reverse.

Edit: just read that yours is a 96. This was from my 98 when I replaced mine, as is the picture of the panel above (I think?) Not sure if they install and remove differently. I'm sure it's about the same though. Just take the panel off and then replace the switch

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cm8809 said:

Bymet said:

The switches have to come through the back - it slides onto these little things that hold it in place. Just taking the screws out isnt enough - you need to pry all the white christmas trees out, as shown above. Then lift the panel off, unplug the power mirror switch, and youll be able to pull the panel off. The master switch will still be plugged into the door harness. Unplug, replace with new switch, and installation is reverse.

Edit: just read that yours is a 96. This was from my 98 when I replaced mine, as is the picture of the panel above (I think?) Not sure if they install and remove differently. I'm sure it's about the same though. Just take the panel off and then replace the switch

Click to expand...

OK. I think the light just came on. The arm rest that the switches are in does not come off separately. I have to remove the entire door panel to get to them. Correct?
My guess is that the 96 & 98 are the same. If you get a chance please post a shot of the other side of your driver's door panel.
Do the white clips simply pull out? My TBird's door panel has hooks on the bottom & you have to lift up but these look different.

Thanks again for your help

Jim

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sean99 said:

The door panel fasteners are attached to the panel and are just pushed into place. A big slot screwdriver or special panel tool will work. Gently pry the panel away from the door starting in the lower corner. Once you can get your fingers in there you can gently pull on the panel to help pop it off along with the screwdriver. Remember the panel wraps around the top of the door so lift straight up once the trees are out. You might be able to pop the trees, reach under to disconnect the harness and drop the switches out without lifting the panel completely off the door.

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