How To: Remove door panel on '02 4DR

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Tim - 13 Mar 2004 00:51 GMT

I'm sure this is a simple procedure, but I've never done it before, and I am in NO way mechanically
inclined.

That being said...

I hear a popping/crackling noise that seems to be coming from inside my door panel when I drive. I
hear it most often when going over bumps (even just light bumps), and it's gotten progressively
worse over the last few months.

I want to see if I can remove my driver's side door panel and see if anything is "loose" under it.
I see two screws at the bottom of the door (screwing the lower portion of the 1-piece panel into the
door), and I imagine that the rest of it is held in with some kind of clips?

Are there any sites out there that might have information that could walk me thru this? If I go to
unscrew those, and just begin to "pull" it off, would I end up breaking something?

Thank you in advance,

Tim

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JustMe - 14 Mar 2004 14:10 GMT

Yes, yes, and depending on just how mechanically inclined you aren't, you
may not want to attemp.

The door panel removal is not that hard, but there are a couple hidden
screws and a bunch of clips to work loose. The Chilton's manual has some
good instructions and pictures. You should own one if you are going to work
on your vehicle, or at least check it out at the library.

Don't know what's flopping around inside, but would seem that something is
loose. Taking off the panel and taking a look is about the only way to see
what the problem is.

Dave

> I'm sure this is a simple procedure, but I've never done it before, and I am in NO way mechanically
> inclined.
[quoted text clipped - 15 lines]
>
> Tim

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Tim - 15 Mar 2004 05:40 GMT

Oh sad me, I was looking at Haynes manuals, and they don't have the ones for 2002 or 2003 ready yet
(says "Coming Soon!!" on their site).

I just now placed a reservation at my local library for the 2002 SUV Service Manual from
Chilton's..... THANKS for the tip, I'll get it tomorrow after work.

Tim

> Yes, yes, and depending on just how mechanically inclined you aren't, you
> may not want to attemp.
[quoted text clipped - 37 lines]
> >
> > Tim

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Tim - 16 Mar 2004 03:27 GMT

Well, I dropped by the library. They don't release those service manuals for checking out, only
reference (just like they won't let you take a volume of an encyclopedia).

But, I looked at the SUV Service Manual for 2002 model year, and surprise surprise, not a single
page dealt with the door. Perhaps that's why everone who I ask has always sayd Haynes, not Chiltons.
Chiltons didn't seem to have any of the body-related info, only powertrain/fuel/cooling/etc.

But, I searched and searched and found a forum on the internet that had a few tips. Remove the
shield around the door handle, then remove the panel that has the buttons on it (for 4-window
up/down and locks, etc), disconnect the switches. Then, unscrew the two sheet metal screws at the
bottom, and then there's one hidden inside the panel where the buttons were... once you remove that
one, the whole panel slides up about an inch, and then off.

But, I still cannot find what's rattling. I looked in there and looked and can't find it.

I guess I'll have my dealer take a look.

I just wonder if or how much they would charge :-S

> Yes, yes, and depending on just how mechanically inclined you aren't, you
> may not want to attemp.
[quoted text clipped - 37 lines]
> >
> > Tim

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Bill Jeffrey - 17 Apr 2004 23:34 GMT

The Chilton's book is out for the '02 Explorer? Where can I buy one?
Can't find it anywhere.

Bill Jeffrey
========================

<snip>

> The door panel removal is not that hard, but there are a couple hidden
> screws and a bunch of clips to work loose. The Chilton's manual has some
> good instructions and pictures.

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