How to Remove the Front Door Panel on a 1998 Ford Contour

Removal of the front door panel from your 1998 Ford Contour is required when accessing parts housed inside the door -- such as power window motors and power door lock actuators -- for diagnosis and repair. Careful removal procedures are required in order to remove the door panel without damage to the vehicle. The average home mechanic can perform this task in just a few minutes, using common tools available at most auto parts stores.

Instructions

1

Pry the plastic plug that covers the retaining screw located on the plastic outside mirror trim, using a screwdriver. Remove the screw located under the screw cover, using a Phillips screwdriver, and pull the outside mirror cover off the inside of the door frame.

2

Remove the window crank, using a window crank tool to push the retaining clip -- located behind the crank -- off the crank. Pry the trim out of the inside door pull/arm rest, using a flat-head screwdriver. Remove the two Phillips screws located under the door pull trim, using a Phillips screwdriver.

3

Carefully pry the inside door latch release cup out of the inside of the panel. Disconnect the power door lock connector from the back of the door latch cup. Rotate the plastic latch rod retaining clips and pull the latch rods from the back of the latch lever. Pry the power window switch assembly out of the panel and unplug it from the wiring harness.

4

Remove the plastic covers installed over the two panel screws located on the back edge of the panel and over the one screw located on the front edge of the panel. Remove the three panel screws. Lift the panel up and away from the door to remove it.

5

Reinstall the panel by sliding it down onto the top of the door frame until it clips over the upper edge of the door frame. Reinstall the panel screws. Plug the electrical connector into the power door lock switch, if equipped, and snap the switch assembly into the door panel.

6

Slip the door latch rods into the inside door latch handle. Rotate the retaining clips until they snap onto the latch rods. Plug the electrical connector into the power window switch and snap the door latch cup and switch assembly into the door panel. Reinstall the door pull and mirror cover screws. Snap the door pull trim into the door pull and push the screw covers over the screws.