How to Remove the Door Trim Panel on a 2007 Dodge Caliber

The door trim panel on a 2007 Dodge Caliber is made from injection-molded ABS plastic. The panel is secured to the door skeleton with a number of screws and plastic retaining clips. In order to perform repairs on the window, window motor, door handle, and door lock mechanism this panel must be completely separated from the door and removed from the vehicle.

Instructions

1

Remove the door handle pull-cup screw using a Phillips screwdriver.

2

Remove the locking clip holding the window crank shaft to the window crank spindle using a flathead screwdriver (manual windows). Remove the window crank from the regulator shaft.

3

Insert a putty knife between the door and the trim panel at the lower-right corner of the window trim panel. Gently pry the trim panel up to disengage the locking clips. Work around the circumference of the trim panel with the putty knife to disengage all of the trim panel retaining clips. Separate the door panel from the door, but dont completely remove it.

4

Remove the plastic weatherstripping seal that wraps around the window switch bezel and the wiring harness. Disconnect the wiring harnesses from their respective switches. Pry the window switch bezel out of the door panel using a flathead screwdriver. Unsnap the plastic wire retaining tethers from the door trim panel. Completely remove the door panel.

5

Reconnect the plastic tethers to the door trim panel. Install the switch bezel into the trim panel by gently pressing it into place. Reinstall the plastic weatherstipping seal around the switch bezel and switch bezel wires.

6

Align the trim panel and retaining clips with the retaining clip holes in the door. Press the trim panel down onto the door to seat the retaining clips. Gently tap the retaining clip locations with a rubber mallet. Reinstall the window crank handle and retaining clip. Reinstall the pull cup screw using a Phillips screwdriver. Test the door to make sure that all of the components operate properly.