The Removal of Door Panels From the 1996 Ford Explorer

The 1996 Ford Explorer is powered by a 4.0-liter V-6 or 5.0-liter V-8 engine. The Explorer comes with two- or four-wheel-drive, a four-speed automatic or five-speed manual transmission. The base model uses manual roll-up windows. Optional power windows are available, if preferred. With the exception of the window controls, the process to remove the door panels is the same.

Instructions

Removal

1

Park the Explorer on a level surface and set the parking brake. Roll down the window. Remove the negative battery cable with a ratchet and socket.

2

Find the two screws directly above the door handle and remove them with a Phillips-head screwdriver. Find the screw in the upper corner of the door panel near the mirror and remove it with the Phillips screwdriver.

3

Remove the door handle trim by prying it out with a small flat-head screwdriver. Carefully slide the tip of the screwdriver between the trim and door panel. Lift up on the trim to remove it. For manual windows, remove the screw in the center of the handle with a Phillips-head screwdriver. Remove the handle and trim ring. For power windows, use the small flat-head screwdriver to pry up the switch panel from the armrest. There is a notch in the bottom of the panel for this purpose. Place the tip of the screwdriver in the notch and lift up on the panel.

4

Lift out the switch panel and use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the two screws that hold the electrical connector onto the panel. Disconnect the electrical connector by pulling it from the panel. Disconnect the power mirror switch connector by lifting up on the locking tab with your finger and pulling off the connector.

5

Slide a trim tool between the door panel and the door, and pry the trim clips out of the door. Lift the door panel high enough so the lip on the panel clears the door. Pull the panel away from the door and disconnect the light socket from the door light.

Installation

6

Plug the door light back into the socket. Slide the door panel over the door and line up the clips. Push the door panel onto the door.

7

Plug in the power mirror connector, door lock and window connectors. Install the screws in the door lock and window connectors. Push the switch panel into the armrest. For manual windows, install the trim ring, window handle and screw.

8

Attach the door latch panel. Install the two screws above the door latch and the one in the corner of the door panel. Connect the negative battery cable.