Can't get driver's side door panel off to replace mirror.

[Peter P]

My driver's side mirror got smacked in a parking lot and needs to be replaced. I found an excellent condition used replacement and tried to follow this YouTube video to replace the mirror.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=b4f0M6KFXzQ

In theory, it's a pretty easy job. But, once I removed the switch assembly, adjustment switch and the four screws that secure the door panel, I could not budge the panel at all to get it off. As hard as I tried to lift it up and away, it wouldn't move at all. It feels like something else is holding it in place, but I can't see any other screws except the four shown in the video. Has anyone else done this without problems. I even tried using a rubber mallet to strike the bottom of the door panel upwards but with no luck. Any ideas are much appreciated.

Thank!

 

[07EddyB]

Nothing wrong with the info in that video. Having said that - your problem may be that the video is for the 2006-2010 generation and you apparently have a 2016? I've had the panels off all the doors in my 2007 but never on a 2016 - I would imagine it's quite different.

 

[Peter P]

Nothing wrong with the info in that video. Having said that - your problem may be that the video is for the 2006-2010 generation and you apparently have a 2016? I've had the panels off all the doors in my 2007 but never on a 2016 - I would imagine it's quite different.

Sorry, I should have updated my profile. It's a 2007 Explorer Limited and the door is exactly like the one in the video. The door panel simply would not budge after removing the securing screws.

 

[07EddyB]

The door in the video was from a 2006. Your 2007 has an additional pull handle right under the arm rest. Pop the cover off of that and remove the two screws that hold it on.

 

[Peter P]

The door in the video was from a 2006. Your 2007 has an additional pull handle right under the arm rest. Pop the cover off of that and remove the two screws that hold it on.

Thank you so much! I didn't even notice that handle was missing in the video. I will check that out after my wife gets home with the Explorer.

 

[J_C]

I don't want to lead you astray but I glanced at that video and it looks like right after taking mounting screws out, he immediately starts lifting up on the door panel.

Does this mean that it does not have the old school push pins, around the sides and bottom behind the panel that need a trim tool to pop out, to get the whole panel loose besides at the top before you slide it up, or did he forget to show the step of doing that?

 

[Peter P]

The door in the video was from a 2006. Your 2007 has an additional pull handle right under the arm rest. Pop the cover off of that and remove the two screws that hold it on.

Just wanted to tell you that those two screws under the pull handle did the trick. replaced my broken mirror and all is good. Thanks again!

 

[Peter P]

I don't want to lead you astray but I glanced at that video and it looks like right after taking mounting screws out, he immediately starts lifting up on the door panel.

Does this mean that it does not have the old school push pins, around the sides and bottom behind the panel that need a trim tool to pop out, to get the whole panel loose besides at the top before you slide it up, or did he forget to show the step of doing that?

Nope, no push pins. everything was exactly like the video, except the 2007 Explorer has an extra pull handle with two additional screws securing the panel.

 

[07EddyB]

Just wanted to tell you that those two screws under the pull handle did the trick. replaced my broken mirror and all is good. Thanks again!

Good news! Thanks for checking back and letting us know.
I can understand the confusion as the 2006 was the first and only 4th gen that didn't have that extra handle and you stumbled on a video using a 06 as a guide. Not sure why they added it after that first year but you got that 'one year only' example to muddy things up.