Removing inner door panel on '99 OBW

[Allpar Mod]

My gremlin has reappeared after another heavy rain. Water must be getting in the door and shorting my power lock master panel. It's done this before and renders the locks inoperative for a couple days until things dry out. I'm pretty sure it's in the driver's door. I don't think it's in the relay module under the dash as I never see any sign of water there.

 

I want to take the panel off and see what I can do to rectify the issue, but I cannot seem to figure out how to remove the trim plate over the lock and especially window switches. Any help?

[Suzam]

You need to remove the entire panel because the switches are attached from the back.

 

There are screws in the armrest and in the recess behind the handle that are behind plug covers. Then carefully pop the fasteners at the bottom and open side on the door. Then slowly pull away from the bottom of the door frame. Then slide it off the inside door handle and lift straight up. It is kind of hanging on a lip at the top of the panel at the bottom of the window opening.

 

Be careful not to pull too aggressively on the panel because you can pull the fasteners out of the panel, you want them to stay attached to it and not stay in the door, so try to pull near each one and don't just yank the panel.

 

Also be mindful of the wiring for the switches, there is a little bit of length in the wire to the plug so you can reach in and disconnect it.

Edited September 17, 2010 by Suzam
I suck at spelling.

[Allpar Mod]

Thanks.

[davebugs]

I"m always a bit paranoid and try and use the trim tool that goes around the plastic plugs to remove them when possible. Usually minimizes pulling htem out of the cardboard on the panel and possible screwing it up.

 

Often you'll screw up one or more of the plastic clips - and/or someone in there before you will have. I've never had any luck finding them at a parts store. So I save some when I scrap a car. Usually the ones for the tailgate cover are butchered the worst. If you take time with the drivers door you should be o.k. - or close enough to o.k. not to worry about it.

 

You can always go to the local JY and pull a panel there - where it doesn't matter. You may even get a few clips to have "just incase".

[johnceggleston]

Often you'll screw up one or more of the plastic clips - and/or someone in there before you will have.

 

 

i've never had a problem with subaru door panel clips, but i have with other cars, especially the cardboard door panels. lego panels seem slightly better than that.

 

speaking of tailgates, i'm working on a 98OBW swap and i have noticed that the rear gate struts are much stronger than 95 - 97 legos. my 97s are slow and i usually have to help it. and even if they were new i don't think they would be as good as this 98. i also looked at another 98 recently and it was stronger as well.

 

so the next time you are at the pull apart, grab the gate struts off a 98 and swap them onto your 97. you will be much happier.