Inside Rear Door Release Replacement

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MarkDawn Houlahan

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Removing the rear door panels is actually quite easy and only requires a few tools that we should all have. Begin by removing the small surround trim around the release handle. Use a small flat blade screwdriver to pop the one end up and then carefully pry the rest of the surround off the door panel.

release1.jpg


There are three 5.5mm tapping screws that retain the door trim panel to the door shell. Two long ones are located in the cavity behind/underneath the silver door pull handle. The third screw, which is shorter, is located at the bottom center of the door panel. Remove the three screws and set them aside.

release2.jpg


The rear window control switch panel simply lifts out. It is held by friction clips, so simply grab the front of the panel and pull straight up.

release3.jpg


Flip the control switch panel over and push the wire connector release tab on the side of the connector to disengage the connector from the switch. Set the switch and panel assembly aside for now as well.

release4.jpg


There are several “Christmas tree” retainers along the edge of the door panel assembly. Using a trim panel tool is the best way to carefully pull these retainers from the door shell without any damage, but for the home garage a flat blade screwdriver or scraper will get the door panel separated from the door shell, but you’ll probably have to pull the loose retainers from the door shell and reinstall them into their slots on the door panel (I had three that stayed in the door shell).

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With the door panel removed from the door shell the only remaining obstacle to the door release handle is the vapor barrier. The vapor barrier has to be CAREFULLY pulled down to just below the release handle. Do not try to pull it any lower as the factory speaker is retaining the barrier and it will tear.

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Here’s what you’ve been after. There are two Phillips screws that retain the release handle, one on the top (that I’m removing here), and one on the bottom. It might be easier to remove the foam cover first to see where they are. Remove the two screws and then slide the handle forward (you might have to push down on the two catches that hold the handle in place) then pull the handle out of the door shell. Once out of the door shell rotate the handle counter clockwise and slide it off of the lock rod. Reverse the steps to put everything back together.

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