Removing the Door Panel Off a 1988 Buick Century Limited

The 1988 Buick Century was built on the General Motors front-wheel-drive, A-body platform. It shares many components with the Chevrolet Celebrity, Oldsmobile Cutlass and Pontiac 6000. A-body cars were produced from 1982 to 1996. The door panels on the Century are secured with screws and press-in clips. The Century Limited was one of the trim levels available.

Instructions

Removal

1

Park the Century on a level work area and set the parking brake.

2

Pry up the power window switch panel with a small flat-head screwdriver. Disconnect the electrical connector from the panel and remove it. If equipped with manual windows, use a small flat-head screwdriver to reach behind the window crank and push the wire clip off the door handle. Pull off the crank and reseat the clip.

3

Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the two screws under the switch panel.

4

Pry the plastic covers off the ends of the door-pull strap with the small flat-head screwdriver. Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the screws that retain the pull strap.

5

Remove the Phillips screw from the door handle cover and the lower rear of the armrest.

6

Pop out the press-in clips by sliding a standard flat-head screwdriver between the door panel and the door, inserting it a few inches. Slide the screwdriver along the door panel until it stops. The screwdriver should be next to a clip. Pry up on the panel to pop the clip out of the door. There are clips along the front, back and bottom of the door. Pop out all of the clips.

7

Lift the door panel up until the metal lip at the top of the panel disengages the door. Remove the panel.

Installation

8

Slide the lip at the top of the panel over the top of the door.

9

Position the door panel so you can push in the clips. Move along the panel, pushing in the clips as you go.

10

Install all of the screws you removed.

11

Plug in the power window switch and seat the panel in the arm rest. Push on the window crank for a manual window. The clip will spread open and catch on the groove in the window regulator.

12

Install the door handle cover and screw. Press the covers back on the door pull.