How to Open the Door Panel on a 2006 Jetta

Opening the door panel on a 2006 Volkswagen Jetta is necessary if you need to gain access to the power window motor, door lock rods, door handles or window regulator mechanism. This panel is secured to the door skeleton with a variety of fasteners, including plastic clips, steel bolts, steel screws and a self-contained flange. These fasteners must be removed in a particular sequence to prevent damage to the door panel and underlying door structure.

Instructions

Removal

1

Turn off the ignition and open the door. Pry out the upper section of the grip shell containing the power switches using a flat-head screwdriver. Disconnect the switch panels electrical connector.

2

Remove the two bolts inside the grip shell section using a metric nut driver. Remove the bolt holding the door panel to the door near the side view mirror using a metric nut driver. Remove the three bolts holding the door panel to the door along the bottom edge of the door panel using a metric nut driver.

3

Insert a trim panel stick between the door panel and the door skeleton at the lower-right corner of the door. Pry around the circumference of the door to disengage the plastic fasteners on the back side of the door panel.

4

Grip the door panel with two hands and pull it straight up to disengage the self-contained flange from the leading edge of the door skeleton. Reach around to the back of the door panel and disconnect the speakers electrical connector. Disconnect the door control modules electrical connector.

5

Disconnect the door release lever from the door handle cable by rotating the door handle cable downward and detaching the hood from the door release lever mechanism. Remove the bolt holding the triangular mirror cover to the door using a metric nut driver. Pry the triangular mirror cover away from the door until it pops loose using a flat-head screwdriver. Remove the door panel from the vehicle.

Installation

6

Set the door panel in place so the front edge of the panel lines up with the triangular mirror cover area. Reinstall the triangular mirror cover and tighten the covers retaining screw to 17.70 inch-pounds using a torque wrench. Connect the door handle cable to the door release lever mechanism by attaching the hook on the end of the door handle cable to the hole in the door release lever mechanism.

7

Reconnect the electrical connectors for the speaker and door control module. Grip the door panel with two hands and align and mate the self-contained flange on the top of the door panel to the leading edge of the door skeleton. Align the plastic retaining pins on the back of the door panel with the holes in the door skeleton. Tap the retaining pin locations on the front side of the door panel with a rubber mallet to seat the retaining pins.

8

Reinstall the three bolts holding the door panel to the door along the bottom edge of the door and tighten them to 17.70 inch-pounds. Reinstall the two bolts inside the grip shell area and tighten them to 13.27 inch-pounds.

9

Reconnect the switch panels electrical connector and set the grip panel switch place inside the grip panel. Press down on the switch panel until it pops into place. Turn on the ignition and test all of the electrical switches on the door. Open and close the door to ensure everything is installed correctly and nothing shakes or rattles.