Inside Driver's Door Panel Removal Tips?

[BillWms01]

Anybody got any good tips for removal of the inside driver's side door panel? I'm having trouble with my driver's side electric lock. It acts stiff, like it needs lubing or adjustment. The key clicker and door switch won't actuate it. You can feel it trying to move, and the thumb lever above the door pull handle will move slightly, but not enough.

I see a series of screws along the bottom edge, and it appears to have a couple of plugs on the forward edge, and there's a screw behind the pull handle. I suspect there's some snap-in thingee's around the rest.

I'd hate to start prying too much and break something...

TIA.

 

[DMX84]

Once you remove all the screws and plastic clips (I can’t remember for sure if the LC used the clip’s you push in with a small object to make them release, but pretty sure it does). Anyway, the holdup will be the door release bezel. Once you remove the screw you will need a small screwdriver and pry gently on the hinge ears (you will see a small chamfer on the hinge ears for reinstallation). Once you have that off you will need to remove the Tweeter cover on the corner of the door. Now I would roll down the window to prevent any scratches on the glass. Hit the bottom of the door panel with the palm of your hand and it will unhook at the window sill.
Also, if I remember correctly, the switches were held in with a spring clip on the side closest to the handle. The other end just had a plastic clip to hold it in place. You will notice that you can slide it back and forth a little. You should be able to put a small object in to push on the spring and lift it out.
You can go to the parts department and get a picture of this to see what I am trying to tell you.
Good luck.
DMX
Vaya Con Dios

 

[BillWms01]

Thanks for the help, DMX.

I've printed off the parts diagrams from Champion Toyota's web site, and with your description, maybe I'll get into it without too much damage!

 

[BillWms01]

Hey DMX, your tips were right on target. No problem pulling the inside panel off. However, I didn't solve the problem yet. I think it must be the solenoid getting weak. All the mechanical linkages appear ok. The inside lock thumb lever works fine, as does the key-in-the-door mechanism. Just the electric lock switch on the door panel and the key fob switch don't work.

I didn't go so far as to remove the latch/lock from the door. Didn't want to push my luck. I need to think about it for awhile before I launch off into that one, although other than being hard to get to to attach the rods/cable, it shouldn't be too bad.

 

[DMX84]

I think it must be the solenoid getting weak.

I think that is a good assumption. Call cruiserdan for all your parts, he’s the greatest!
DMX

 

[dnp]

Thanks for the help, DMX.

I've printed off the parts diagrams from Champion Toyota's web site, and with your description, maybe I'll get into it without too much damage!

Can you give us a link to where we can download other parts diagrams?

 

[BillWms01]

The site I mentioned is www.toyotaworld.com . Click on the OEM Parts link on the left side.