How to Open the Door Panel on a 1998 Toyota Sienna

The door panel on a 1998 Toyota Sienna contains the door pull handle, window switches, interior door handle and lock switches. The door panel is secured to the door skeleton with a combination of steel screws, plastic push pins, and molded flanges. In order to service the components inside the door such as the power window motor or door handle, the door panel must be completely removed from the vehicle.

Instructions

Removal

1

Slide a shop rag in between the window crank and the door panel. Pull the shop rag up in order to dislodge the crank retaining clip. Remove the window crank and retaining clip.

2

Remove the screw holding the door handle bezel to the door skeleton with a Phillips screwdriver. Insert a flat-head screwdriver between the door panel and door handle bezel. Pry out the door handle bezel.

3

Insert a flat-head screwdriver between the door panel and the power window switch, if equipped. Pry out the power window switch and disconnect its electrical connector.

4

Remove the screws holding the armrest to the door with a metric nut driver. Remove the armrest from the vehicle. Pry out the courtesy light from the door panel with a flat-head screwdriver. Disconnect the courtesy lights electrical connector and remove it from the door.

5

Pry the upper armrest base panel, if equipped, away from the door with a flat-head screwdriver. Remove the upper armrest base panel.

6

Pry out the screw caps with a small diameter flat-head screwdriver. Remove the three screws holding the door panel to the door skeleton with a metric nut driver. Grip the trim panel with two hands and lift it upward then away from the door. Remove the inner weather stripping from the door trim, then completely remove the trim panel.

Installation

7

Set the trim panel in place against the door, then install the weather stripping. Press down on the trim panel to mate the upper trim panel flange with the leading edge of the door skeleton. Install the three screws holding the trim panel to the door skeleton with a metric nut driver.

8

Replace the screw caps and set the upper armrest base panel, if equipped, into place, then press it down onto the door skeleton until it locks into place.

9

Connect the courtesy lights electrical connector, then press it into place in the door panel until it snaps into position. Set the armrest into position, then install the armrest retaining screws using a metric nut driver.

10

Connect the window switch panels electrical connecter, if equipped, and set it into place on the armrest. Press down on the window switch panel until it snaps into place. Set the door handle bezel into position over the handle and press it into place until it clicks. Install the door handle bezel screw using a Phillips screwdriver.

11

Set the window crank on the window crank shaft, if equipped, at the 10 oclock position. Press it down on the window crank shaft until it clicks into place. Test the switches and other door-mounted accessories to ensure they properly function. Open and close the door to verify the door panel is securely installed and does not rattle or shake.