Removing the Door Panel

[j-rod]

ok so I got to replace the busted mirror in the wifes KJ tonight.

I am getting conflicting info on removal of said door panel.
AAP guy said it just slides up, no push fasteners in the new vehicle.

most jeep sites say:

From the 2003 Liberty Service Manual


TRIM PANEL

REMOVAL
(1) Remove the inside handle screw plug and
remove the screw. (Fig. 9)
(2) Remove the pull handle screw.
(3) Using a trim stick C-4755 or equivalent, disengage
the trim panel clips and remove the trim panel.
(4) Disconnect the electrical connectors and the
inside handle actuator rod. (Fig. 10)


INSTALLATION
(1) Connect the inside handle actuator rod and the
electrical connectors.
(2) Position the trim panel and seat the clips fully.
(3) Instal the screws and install the screw plug.

I was going to buy the removal tool today but the aap guy changed my mind. so should I go buy the tool or forgo it and use something else?

 

[JeepJeepster]

Never needed a tool to take my door panels off. Ive had them off a hand full of times.

It does have MANY snaps around the door and they are easy to break if youre not careful. Ive never had one break. Take the screws out then start slowly working your way around the door popping the snaps out.

 

[Signe]

Never needed a tool to take my door panels off. Ive had them off a hand full of times.

It does have MANY snaps around the door and they are easy to break if youre not careful. Ive never had one break. Take the screws out then start slowly working your way around the door popping the snaps out.

He's right in that there are many snaps around the perimeter of the interior door panel. I have a special tool I bought at Auto Zone (for $9) that is specifically designed for removing these panels. I recently had all four of my panels and off and didn't break a single snap. In my opinion, this tool is the reason I didn't break any.

 

[j-rod]

in the garage now. aap didnt have the tool so im gonna use a long flat screw driver and go slow.

<<<< luck

 

[sparkman70]

i remove my drives side door panel is spring with a long flat screw driver and it work fine just go slow

 

[j-rod]

yep. i used a small flat tip screw driver. came off easy.

this was easily a 15 minute job. too easy almost.

 

[hyde]

Plastic Spatula or cake shaping thingy if you have any, it also works.