How to take off door panneling for lock fix?

[Ethan Castle]

How* to take off door panneling for lock fix

'98 Explorer xlt 4x4

Hello, does anyone know how to take off the drivers side door pannel so i can get to the lock mechanics? i put my key in and the lock snaped as i tured it. Now to unlock car i have to go to passenges side, roll down drivers window and play with both inside and outside handle to unlock. Any help would be appreciated. (btw i bought a repair manual and it didnt say didily)

 

[leon63]

Hello and welcome to the site,

It's easy. Use the search tool on the website. You will find several very good write-ups.

Dan

 

[scucci]

The window must be completely down to remove the front door trim panel.

On high series front door trim panel, disconnect the battery ground cable

Remove the 2 screws above inside door handle.

Remove the inside door handle cup pull and slide it off.

On low series front door trim panel, remove the screw and the window regulator handle.

Start in a lower corner and work around the panel, carefully prying the front door trim panel away from the front door to disengage the pushpins.

Lift the front door trim panel to disengage the top lip from the weatherstrip.

Turn the front door trim panel over.

Disconnect the power window switch and the power door lock switch electrical connectors.
Remove the screws.
Disconnect the electrical connectors.

If equipped, remove the courtesy lamp bulb from the lens and remove the front door trim panel.

 

[gijoecam]

The window must be completely down to remove the front door trim panel.

Why? I don't recall doing that with mine when I had to replace my latch assembly....

 

[scucci]

Why? I don't recall doing that with mine when I had to replace my latch assembly....

Just copied from the service manual.

 

[etdavenport]

Just copied from the service manual.

I realize this is an old thread, and i know there is a search function but they suck pretty bad...

My unlock switch does not work, and my lock side does, so i need to take that off to see if I ca easy fix or replace it. So i jsut remove those two screws and slowly pop it off starting at the lower corner?

I have a 1998 Ford explorer XLT

thanks!

 

[Joe Dirt]

Scucci's writeup is correct, aside fromteh window thing, it doesn't need to be down. Don't know why the service manual says that.

...and our search function works pretty good

 

[G-96XLT]

have a flathead ready so you can pop off the connectors , you can also let the door panel dangle, then you have to peel back this plastic cover and the key hole should come off easy.

who actually uses a key in the door ?