Jeep Liberty
Door Panel Removal Guide
How to remove the interior door panels of
a 2nd generation 2008 to 2012 Jeep Liberty to upgrade the speaker.
By Paul B. Michaels Author & Photographer Auto Mechanic Since 1989 |
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 Jeep Liberty Door Panel |
 Pry Off Handle Trim Piece |
 Door Handle Trim Piece |
| This
automotive "how-to" guide was specifically written to assist owners
of the 2nd generation 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 & 2012 Jeep Liberty in removing the
interior door panels in order to upgrade the OEM speaker, add
soundproofing material, or replace the power window motor. Owners of other Jeep, Dodge or Chrysler vehicles such as the Cherokee, Compass, Patriot, Wrangler, Grand Cherokee, Grand Caravan, Nitro, Dart, Avenger, Challenger, Durango, Journey, Charger, Town & Country, 300, and 200 may also find these instructions to be helpful. The tools needed to remove the door panel include a flathead screwdriver, a Phillips head screwdriver, and a 10mm socket with a 1/4" drive ratchet. To remove the speaker, you'll need a Torx T20 star bit screwdriver. To remove the power window motor, you'll need a Torx T30 screwdriver. |
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 Trim Piece Removed |
 10mm Bolt Behind Trim |
 Remove 10mm Bolt |
| The first step is
to pry off the door handle trim piece using a flathead screwdriver. Insert
the blade of the screwdriver at the front of the trim piece and gently peel
it off towards the rear. Behind the trim piece on this 2012 Liberty there is a 10mm bolt. Previous model years may have a 12mm bolt instead. Remove the bolt with the 10mm socket and ratcheting wrench. |
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 Trim Panel & 10mm Bolt |
 Plastic Screw Cover |
 Pry Out Screw Cover |
| Then move to the
lower rear corner of the door panel and pry out the small round plastic
cover that hides a single Phillips head screw.
Remove the screw by turning it counterclockwise with a standard Phillips head screwdriver. Previous model year vehicles may have a Torx T-20 screw instead. |
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 Phillips Head Screw |
 Single Screw Removed |
 Pull Up On Door Panel |
| Once the 10mm bolt
and Phillips head screw have been removed, you can lift up on the door panel
and pull it away from the door frame. There are tabs at the bottom of the door panel that need to be lifted out of the slots on the door frame. |
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 Pull Door Panel Away |
 Wire Loom Behind Panel |
 Window / Door Lock Plug |
| Look behind the door panel and locate the power connector for the power window and door lock panel. | ||
 Remove Power Connector |
 Power Plug Removed |
 Door Panel Removed |
| Press the release
tab on the power connector and pull the plug straight out of the socket. Set the door panel aside in a safe place. |
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 OEM Door Speaker |
 Remove Torx T20 Screws |
| To remove the OEM door speaker, unscrew the three screws with a Torx T20 star bit screwdriver. | ||
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 3 Torx T20 Screws |
 Pull Out Old Speaker |
| Pull the OEM speaker out of the inner door panel and disconnect the power plug by pressing the release tab. | ||
 Press Release Tab |
 Power Connector Removed |
 Power Window Motor |
| The OEM front and
rear door speakers of a 2008 to 2012 Jeep Liberty can be replaced with
either 5 1/4" (5.25"), 6 1/2" (6.5") or 6 3/4" (6.75")
aftermarket speakers.
A mounting bracket may be needed depending on the new speakers you choose. To help reduce road noise and allow your new speakers to sound their best, apply some Dynamat Sound Deadener to the metal door frame. It will stop vibrations and rattles when you crank up the volume. |
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 Pry Out Red Lock Tab |
 Press Release Tab |
 Disconnect Power Plug |
| To remove the power
window motor's power connector, first pry the red lock tab out towards you.
Then press on the release tab and pull the power plug straight out of the
socket. The window motor is held in place by three Torx T30 star bit screws. |
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 Three Torx T30 Screws |
 Power Window/ Door Lock Plug |
 Push In Power Connector |
| To replace the door panel, first replace the power connector for the power window and door locks by pushing it straight in to the socket until you hear it click in place. | ||
 Insert Tabs At Bottom |
 Panel Tabs In Notches |
 Swing Panel Closed |
| Insert the tabs at
the bottom of the door panel into the notches at the bottom of the door
frame. Then swing the door panel closed towards the top while re-inserting the door lock stalk (rod) into the hole at the top rear corner of the panel. |
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 Re-Insert Phillips Screw |
 Tighten Screw |
 Replace Screw Cover |
| Insert the Phillips head screw at the rear bottom corner of the panel and tighten it with the screwdriver. Snap the plastic screw cover back in place. | ||
 Replace 10mm Bolt |
 Tighten 10mm Bolt |
 Replace Handle Trim Piece |
| Replace the 10mm (or 12mm) bolt at the top front corner of the panel and tighten it with the ratcheting wrench. | ||
 Snap Back Into Place |
 Door Handle Trim Piece |
 Door Panel Replaced |
| The last step is to
replace the plastic trim piece that surrounds the door handle above the arm
rest. Insert the rear of the trim piece in first and then gently snap the
retaining clips at the front in place. For more, check out my other
Jeep Liberty Repair & Maintenance Guides. |
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"Donate" button located to the right of this paragraph. Thank you!
 (Note: I am not a registered charity. Donations are not tax deductible.) |