How to Get a Door Panel off a 1997 Dodge Dakota Sport
- 1). Raise the hood and disconnect the negative cable from the battery. This will prevent any possibility of shock from cables or wires within the door panel.
- 2). Use a Phillips head screwdriver and remove each of the door trim panel retaining screws. There will be two screws in the door pull (the slot that allows you to close the door from the inside) and one screw in the upper corner of the panel. Remove the door pull and set it aside (you can put all three screws inside the pull for safekeeping).
- 3). Remove the power mirror switch knob (for power windows only). This is done by pulling the knob straight back and removing the switch retaining nut on the backside. If the nut is tight, use a proper-size socket and socket wrench to loosen it.
- 4). Reach through the door pull opening and depress the window crank switch tab, which will be visible through the opening. Pull the rear of the switch up and remove it.
- 5). Separate the door panel from the door, by using a putty knife to disengage the retaining clips. These are located just beneath the edge of the panel on the bottom and sides.
- 6). Lift the door panel from the door. The only thing holding it now may be the wiring harness for the side view mirror (power mirrors only). Disconnect the harness to remove the panel fully. There's a black tab midway along the harness--depress the tab to separate the harness.
