Toyota
Corolla Door Panel Removal Guide
How to remove the interior door panels and
lubricate a sticky lock / unlock switch in a 2003-2008 Toyota Corolla.
2005 Corolla Door Panel |
Door Opener Handle |
Pop Off Screw Cover |
This
automotive "how-to" guide was specifically written to assist owners
of the ninth generation (2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008) Toyota
Corolla in removing the interior door panels in order to upgrade the
OEM speaker, add soundproofing material, replace the power window
motor, or lubricate the door lock/unlock mechanism. Owners of other Toyota, Lexus and Scion vehicles such as the Corolla, Camry, Matrix, Yaris, Tacoma, Prius, Tundra, Sienna, FJ Cruiser, Venza, Highlander, Avalon, 4Runner, Land Cruiser, Sequoia, IS 250, ES 350, GS 350, RX 350, FR-S, iQ, tC, xB, and xD may also find these DIY instructions to be helpful. The tools needed include a small flathead screwdriver, a regular flathead screwdriver, and a Phillips head screwdriver. To replace the speaker, you'll need an electric drill with some drill bits. To fix a sticky door lock, you'll need some a can of spray lubricant. I'd recommend using Silicone Spray Lubricant. |
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Remove Door Handle Screw |
Pry Up Arm Rest Panel |
Cloth Over Screwdriver |
In order to take
off the front interior door panels, you'll need to remove one screw cover,
two trim panels and three Phillips head screws. The first screw is located behind the door opener handle. Pry out the small rectangular plastic screw cover using the small flathead screwdriver. Remove the single screw with a Phillips head screwdriver and set it aside in a safe place. |
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Remove Arm Rest Panel |
Pry Up Switch Panel |
Lock/Window Switch Panel |
Then gently pry off
the arm rest panel using a standard flathead screwdriver. To avoid
scratching the panel, cover the blade of the screwdriver with a thin cloth. Next pry up the door lock and power window switch panel with the flathead screwdriver. Don't use excessive force to avoid damaging the plastic friction fasteners. |
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Press Release Button |
Power Connector Removed |
Remove 2 Phillips Screws |
Press the release
tab on the side of the power connector and slide it straight out. Remove the two Phillips head screws located on the arm rest. |
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3 Screws & 2 Panels |
Pull Bottom Of Door Panel |
Pop Out Friction Fasteners |
Move to the top
corner of the door panel and pull off the sail panel that covers the tweeter
speaker. It is held in place by one friction fastener. Now you can move to the bottom edge of the door panel and pull out the pop rivets. The door panel is held in place by 8 plastic friction fasteners along the bottom and sides. Pull on each side until they are all popped out. |
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Pull Off Sail Panel |
Tweeter Speaker |
Lift Off Door Panel |
Carefully lift the
door panel off the metal door frame and push the door opener handle through
the other side. Set the door panel aside in a safe place. |
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Driver Door Panel Removed |
Metal Door Frame |
OEM Speaker - Rivets |
To upgrade the OEM
door speaker, you'll need to drill out the three metal rivets. The OEM
speaker is a 6 3/4" (6.75") and it can be replaced with a 6 1/2" (6.5") or 5
1/4" (5.25") aftermarket speakers. I'd recommend purchasing new speakers from Crutchfield since they usually include any needed brackets or power connector adapters. If you'd like to reduce road noise, make your car quieter and improve the sound from your speakers, I'd recommend installing some Dynamat Sound Deadener on the metal door frame. |
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Lubricate Door Lock Switch |
Lubricate Key Hole |
Door Lock/Unlock Mechanism |
We've had a problem
with the driver's power door lock not working properly, especially in cold
weather. It seemed like the mechanism was "sticky" and having trouble
unlocking the door. Sometimes it would make a strange sound that reminded me
of a puppy whining or old water pipes groaning. To help solve the problem, I lubricated all the moving parts of the door lock/unlock mechanism that I could reach. It would be best to use a light lubricant such as silicone or white lithium grease. You could also try using WD-40 or PB Blaster all purpose petroleum based lube. Spray a small amount of silicone lubricant in the key hole, on the lock/unlock lever by the door handle, and inside the door frame. |
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Disconnect Power |
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Just to be safe, I disconnected the power plug for the door lock/unlock mechanism. | ||
Lubricate Lock Mechanism |
Replace Door Panel |
Line Up Pop Rivets |
To replace the door
panel, carefully lower down on the lip of the metal door frame. Then line up the plastic pop rivets on the rear of the panel with the corresponding holes in the door frame. |
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Snap In Panel Fasteners |
Push Edges of Panel |
Replace 2 Phillips Screws |
Firmly push on the
bottom and sides of the panel to secure the 8 friction fasteners. Replace the two Phillips head screws on the arm rest. |
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Arm Rest Screws |
Replace Door Handle Screw |
Snap In Power Connector |
Tighten the small
Phillips head screw behind the door handle and push on the plastic screw
cover. Push the power door lock and window connector back in to the socket at the rear of the switch panel. |
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Insert Switch Panel |
Push On Switch Panel |
Push On Arm Rest Panel |
Insert the tab at
the rear of the switch panel in to the arm rest first and then snap the
front side in to place. Lower the arm rest panel and snap it in to place. |
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Replace Screw Cover |
Replace Tweeter Cover |
Door Panel Replaced |
Push on the "sail"
panel over the tweeter speaker at the top corner of the door frame. Be sure to check that the power window, power door lock, and door opener handle work properly. For more, check out my other 2003-2008 Toyota Corolla Repair & Maintenance Guides.
If you have a newer model check out my
2009-2013 Toyota Corolla Repair & Maintenance Guides. |
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