How to Remove the Door Panels on a 2000 VW Passat Wagon

The door panel on a 2000 Volkswagen Passat wagon covers the interior components of the door, including the speaker, door lock rod, door handle mechanism and window regulator. To service any of these components, the door panel must be completely separated from the door by following a specific removal sequence. Attempting to access these components with the door panel partially removed can damage the interior door components, door skeleton and door panel.

Instructions

Removal

1

Turn the ignition switch to the "Off" position and open the door. Insert a small flat-head screwdriver in the gap between the grip shell and the small, rectangular panel on the front edge of the grip shell. Pry the panel toward the door to separate it from the grip shell.

2

Pry the grip shell out of the door panel using a flat-head screwdriver and disconnect the grip shell switch panels electrical connector. Remove the three screws inside the grip panel area using a Phillips screwdriver.

3

Remove the two bolts on the bottom of the door panel using a metric nut driver. Insert a trim panel stick in between the door panel and the door. Pry around the circumference of the door to disengage the trim panel pins, separating the panel from the door.

4

Grip the door panel with two hands and lift the panel upward to disengage the panel from the window recess. Pull the door latch cable out of the door handle mechanism. Disconnect the remaining electrical connectors from the door panel. Remove the window recess seal on the top of the door by pulling it straight up. Remove the door panel.

Installation

5

Mate the top of the door panel to the leading edge of the door flange and install the window recess seal on top of this flange. Reconnect the electrical connectors to the door panel. Reinstall the door latch cable in the door latch mechanism.

6

Align the trim panel pins on the back of the door with the holes in the door skeleton. Press down on the trim panel to seat the pins in their holes. Tap around the circumference of the door panel with a rubber mallet to fully seat the door panel retaining pins.

7

Reinstall the two bolts on the bottom of the trim panel using a metric nut driver. Reinstall the three screws inside the grip panel area using Phillips screwdriver.

8

Reconnect the grip panel switch plates electrical connector. Set the switch plate inside the grip panel and press it down until it pops into place. Set the small rectangular cover panel into place on the front of the grip panel. Press it down until it locks into place. Turn on the ignition and test all of the switches to ensure that they operate properly. Check to make sure that the door panel is securely fastened and does not shake or rattle.