93 Es300, How To Remove Front Door Passenger Door Panel

[mounder]

Something came loose in front passenger door and I need to remove the door panel to fix. Can someone point to instructions on removing the front passenger side door panel? I got it off but now need to find out why I can't unlatch from the outside. Does anyone have a schematic or picture of how the latch is attached?

[motoroil]

Hey how did you take the door panel off? Anyone have any tips? I'm about to take off my door panels all around--don't have a manual for it--jus the camry manual.

Thanks!

[gbhrps]

Mounder,

I've never done a 93 ES, but have done loads of doors on many makes and models over the years, and they all have the same general makeup. The outside door handle usually has a metal rod that attaches to a tab extending from it. The other end of the rod extends down to the door latch mechanism, and when the outside door handle is opened, the rod either pulls up or pushes down on the latch tripping an internal arm that opens up the door. Most often both ends of this actuating rod are attached to the outside door handle and the latch mechanism with a plastic or metal clip. What usually happens when the outside door handle no longer unlatches the door, is that the one of the clips has come undone and fallen to the bottom of the door disconnecting the rod, or the clip has broken disconnecting the rod, or the rod has bent and is either too long or too short to move the latch internals. Occasionally the tab on the outside door handle breaks off, requiring a new door handle to repair. You won't know which it is until you shine a light inside the door inside openings and look at the rod from the outside door handle while operating the outside door handle. Be aware that there will be another longer rod coming from the inside door handle to the latch assembly. Don't confuse the two rods. Outside door handles with a thumb push button don't have the actuating rod, because the thumb button pushes against a lever instead. When these fail its usually because the back of the button has broken off.

Motoroil,

Your Camry manual will show all of the fasteners that need to be removed and will be very similar to your Lexus. Hints: Tape up the blade of a flat-bladed screw driver (to prevent scratches) and gently pry up the window and door lock switch plate. Once up, disconnect the wiring harnesses from the switches. Look for a screw in the opening that holds the inner door panel to the steel door (There may not be one.) If the panel has a courtesy light, pry up the lens and look for another screw (again there may not be one). Pull the inner door handle towards you, hold it and look for a plastic button or a plastic panel that fills the door handle recess that can be pried out. Behind it you will find a screw. Next check the arm rest for plastic plugs or recesses hiding a screw. Typically there will be two that you have to remove. If there is a triangular plastic plate where the outside mirror attaches to the door it must be removed next. Again plastic plugs hide screws, or it may simply pry off. Be careful not to break off any tabs. Check for screws down the sides and bottom of the panel. If none the inner door panel is pried off. Slide the screw driver between the panel and the steel door at the bottom corner and pry and pop out the plastic plug there. Travel along the bottom of the door and up both sides to pop out as many as 10 or 12 plugs in total. With the panel loose down both sides and along the bottom, reach in and disconnect the wiring for the courtesy light (if so equipped). Now grab the panel by its sides and rock it side to side as you lift it straight up until its top edge next to the glass releases. Don't force anything if you have a problem getting the panel off. Wherever it is not releasing there will be a fastener that you've missed. Track it down or see a Toyota/Lexus Tech to get some advice. Good Luck!