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Dodge Ram 1500 Interior Door Panel Removal Guide
How to take off the interior door panels of a 4th generation 2009-2013 Dodge RAM 1500 with photo illustrated steps.

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2012 Ram 1500 Door Panel
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Pry Off Sail Panel At Top
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Sail Panel Removed
This automotive "how-to" guide was specifically written to assist owners of the fourth generation (2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, and 2013) Dodge RAM 1500 truck in taking off the interior door panels in order to upgrade the OEM speakers, add soundproofing material, replace the power window motor or fix a faulty electrical switch.

Owners of other Dodge, Ram Trucks, or Chrysler vehicles such as the Dart, Avenger, Challenger, Charger, Durango, Journey, Grand Caravan, 2500, 3500, 4500, 5500, C/V Tradesman,  200, 300 and Town & Country may also find these DIY instructions to be helpful.

The tools needed to remove the door panel include a small flathead screwdriver, a standard Phillips head screwdriver, and a Torx T20 star bit screwdriver.

To remove the OEM door speaker, you'll need a 5mm socket with ratcheting wrench.



 
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Pry Out Screw Cover
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Screw Cover Removed
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Remove Phillips Head Screw
The first step is to pry off the triangular sail panel at the inner top corner of the door panel with a small flathead screwdriver.

Then move to the door handle and pry out the small circular screw cover with the flathead screwdriver.

Remove the single screw behind the door opener handle with the Phillips head screwdriver and set it aside in a safe place.

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Phillips Head Screw
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Pry Out Door Handle Bezel
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Door Handle Trim Removed
Pry out the plastic bezel around the door opener handle with the small flathead screwdriver and set it aside.
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Torx T-20 Plastic Screw
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Plastic Screw Removed
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Pry Out Black Fastener
Use a Torx T20 star bit screwdriver to remove the 6 plastic screws on the edges of the door panel.

Then pry out the larger black plastic fasteners from the panel. Set all the fasteners aside in a safe place.

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Black Plastic Fastener
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Two On Outer Edge
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Two On Inner Edge
There are 2 black plastic screws and pop-in fastener clips on each side and the bottom edge for a total of 6.
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Panel Fastener Removed
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6 Plastic Screws & Fasteners
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Lift Door Panel Up & Off
Once all of the fasteners are removed, the door panel is only held in place by a few plastic tabs at the top and hooks at the bottom.

Lift the panel straight up and off the door frame.

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Switch Panel Power Wire
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Green Power Connector
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Press Release Button



 

Tilt the top of the panel towards yourself while supporting the bottom with your thighs.

Press the release button on the green power connector attached to the underside of the switch panel and slide it straight out of its socket.

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Pull Out Power Plug
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Door Panel Removed
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Metal Door Frame
Set the plastic door panel aside in a safe place.
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OEM Door Speaker
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Power Window Motor
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Remove 5mm Screws
The OEM (original equipment manufacturer) door speaker is held in place by four 5mm screws.

Remove the four screws by turning them counter clockwise with a 5mm socket and ratcheting wrench.

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Four 5mm Screws Removed
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Pull Out Speaker
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Release Power Plug
Pull the speaker straight out of the door frame and press the release button on the power connector to remove it.

The OEM front door speakers can be replaced with a 5 1/4" (5.25"), 6 1/2" (6.5") or 6 3/4"sized aftermarket speakers.

I'd recommend ordering new speakers from Crutchfield since they usually include any needed brackets or power plug adapters.

To help reduce road noise and make your new speakers sound better, apply some Dynamat Sound Deadener to the metal door frame. It will help stop vibrations and rattles when you crank up the volume.

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Install 5.25", 6.5", or 6.75"
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Window Motor - Torx T25
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Hold Panel Near Frame
The power window motor is held in place by three Torx T-25 screws.

To re-install the door panel, first hold it near the door frame and support it with your legs.

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Push In Green Power Plug
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Insert Door Lock Stalk
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Insert Hooks At Bottom
Push the green power connector straight in to its socket on the underside of the switch panel until it clicks in to place.

Insert the door lock stalk in to the hole at the upper corner of the door panel.

Hang the tabs at the top of the door panel on to the upper lip of the door frame while simultaneously inserting the hooks at the bottom of the door panel in place.

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Replace Door Handle Bezel
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Re-insert Phillips Head Screw
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Replace Screw Cover
Gently snap the door handle bezel trim piece in place.

Insert the screw behind the door opener handle and tighten it with the Phillips head screwdriver.

Snap the round plastic screw cover back in place.

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Insert Larger Outer Piece
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Pop In Black Plastic Screw
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3 Fasteners On Bottom Edge
Push in the larger outer pieces of the 6 plastic fasteners first and then pop in the 6 plastic screws.

There are two fasteners on each of the left, right and bottom edges.

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Replace 6 Edge Fasteners
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Push On Sail Panel
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Door Panel Replaced
Push the sail panel back in place to complete the job.

For more, check out my other Dodge RAM 1500 Repair & Maintenance Guides.
 

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