Remove Front and Rear door panels on 2004 4Runner

[tmat_330]

Hopefully this is not a dup on my part...First time post. Let me first say that I have actually spent a lot of time looking through this forum for help. I've come across some good info, however, I'm still unclear on something.

I'm simply trying to replace my factory, paper cone, speakers with new ones. I've managed to find info on removing the necessary screws from the doors, however, I still am unclear on how to actually remove the door panels.

If someone can explain to me how to remove the panels, I would appreciate it. I've tried pulling, lifting, etc. and it just seems that nothing is moving. I'm afraid of breaking something at this point. Just not too sure where the clips are (if any) and how to get the darn panels off.

Any help would be appreciated. Trying to avoid the $$$ of having my local car audio shop install something that should be relatively easy to do myself.

Thanks in advance.

 

[jackz]

I'm planning to do the same...
A door trim/panel removal tool seems to be the ticket.
Google it and there are a few different choices.
I'm sure others may have had success w/ a screwdiver.
I know that there are 36 clips in the 4 doors @ $.75 ea.
Just depends on how many are reuseable.
I imagine a few will be sacrificed.

Anyone else ??

Jack

 

[warthog]

get a panel removal tool. I picked this up at walmart or pep boys or something for 3 or 4 bucks. tape the tip with tape just in case.

After the screw in the armrest cushion and behind the door open handle, slide the removal tool around the outer edge. There are about 10 places that will pop out. You shouldn't ruin or have to replace any of the tabs. They come off pretty easy. go slow, identify the tabs, and straddle them with the tool and it will be no problem.

after all the tabs, there are two cables, and something like 3 electrical plugs. I'm going from memory. There are a few good posts here that go into details. Post if you need more pictures (my PM doesn't work). I've removed almost all the interior panels in the truck, and the doors are the easiest, so don't worry.

even first time around, you can probably have each panel off in 30 minutes. however, the speakers, because they are integrated in the housing and unusual size, replacing them will take longer. With me, i had the panels off the doors for several days while working on the speakers. be prepared for that.

 

[warthog]

also, get a stiff plastic screwdriver type tool to use to pop out small plastic pieces such as the one behind the door open handle. (shown second from top in this pic). I got this from where i work and its perfect. again, peruse walmart and pep boys to find an equivalent. it will prevent scratches. Pretty much, with the tools shown below, you can take apart the entire interior of your car.

 

[arcas]

The plastic clips, at least on my 2006, are more resilient than the clips on older cars so you don't really need a tool. The door panel is shaped in such a way that older style trim removal tools won't fit anyway. Just pry firmly but carefully with your hands and they'll pop out and won't be damaged.

Have someone help you with the panel removal. After you've popped all the clips, it's useful to have someone hold the panel while you use both hands to disconnect the wires and door lock cables.

 

[sharp4runr]

Give this link a gander and see if it helps.

http://people.clarkson.edu/~calisec/4runner/4runner2003.htm