Remove Door Panel To Connect New Electric Door Mirror

[anirac]

Hi,

bought a 2nd-hand driver's door mirror (electric/heated) for my 99 Avensis 1.8 GS. However, I'm struggling to remove all/some of the door panel to allow me to reconnect the electric adapter.

I've removed the internal black plastic trim covering the mirror bolts and also removed 3 grey plastic 'rivets' on the left-side of door panel, the brass screw at bottom/underneath panel, and the screw behind the door locking mechanism. Still the panel doesn't budge. various forums say it's easy to do this, but not when you don't know what you're doing :-)

Any suggestions (polite) much appreciated.

Thanks.

[anirac]

Anyone got any ideas how to get at the mirror electrics behind the drivers door panel?

Thanks

[PhilGee]

Once all the screws are out, the panel is held on by clips that are a little tight to pull off. Best thing to do is start at the bottom of the door panel and work your way up. Just make sure all the srews are out. If it feels a little tight in places, there maybe a screw still in. Once its all free, lift door panel up over to unhook from widow frame area.

Hope this helps.

[anirac]

Thanks for the reply Phil, however still having problems!

Removed all screws, but am unsure what I should I should be doing regarding the electric window switches, internal door handle, armrest. i.e. any item connected to the door panel. All I need to do is get enough access to reconnect the mirror electrics.

Any more advice would be much appreciated.

Thanks.

[anirac]

Hello,

so near to removing the door panel now, but stuck at the final hurdle.

All rivets, screws removed, plastic bezel behind door handle removed, electric window switches removed, door trim unclips at bottom but still seems to be held in the middle of the door somewhere?

Found a tech note at http://www.toyota-tech.eu/Aim.aspx? (see attachment page 32/33) for a later model Avensis which tells you to remove the padded insert above the armrest. On my 99 Avensis this doesn't appear to be removable?

Any suggestions what's stopping me getting the door panel off?

Thanks.

Audio_RHD_3A3RT22W_1.pdf

[PhilGee]

There should be a screw In the middle of the door that also holds in the window switch pack.

[anirac]

Thanks again for the reply Phil.

Success, and yes it is easy to remove the door panel...once you know how!

For anyone else wanting to remove a door panel from a '99 Avensis, here's how I did it:

1. remove 6 grey Philips headed 'rivets' around panel they require a 1/4 turn and then pull out.

2. remove 2 brass screws at bottom of panel

3. remove screw covered by plastic cap in armrest, the complete plastic trim (8" length) holding the window electric switches can then be levered off (the covered storage compartment stays put)

4. remove 2 black screws revealed after plastric trim is removed

5. remove the screw covered by plastic 'flap' behind the door handle, then with screwdriver gently prise off the trim behind the door handle (handle and push lock stay put)

6. speaker cover and pocket at bottom of door stay put

7. gently pull out door panel starting at bottom, lift it up and pull out should be all that's needed.

Hope this helps somebody.

Good luck!

[PhilGee]

Would you believe it, i had a door panel off one today for a door handle fault. :D Glad you got it sorted mate.