Remove Door Panel

JetSetEnt,

I had to remove the door panels on my '07 Prius when I upgraded the speakers last Spring. I also replaced the Power Window Regulator (which ran a whooping $290- and this was at toyotapartseast.com, a discounted OEM site! ) while I was going through the trouble of removing the door panel so if you need to replace yours I would suggest doing it while you have the door panel off

It's been a while since I've done the job but here is what I remember from the procedure:

First, remove the screw that holds on the window control switch with a Phillips screwdriver. Pull the switch up and disconnect the plug. Set the switch aside.

Then, remove the small insert that covers the screw located behind the door-grip handle (not the door latch) by sliding it towards the back and out. Remove the screw under the insert, with the Phillips screwdriver.

Next, remove the black plastic cover that conceals a screw located behind the door latch. Use a flathead screwdriver wrapped in tape to gently pry up the edge of the cover and then pull it out. Remove the screw with a Phillips-head screwdriver.

After that, gently pull the door panel off of the door. The panel is retained by clips that press into holes in the door. Prius door panels are made of two different sections that are glued together. To avoid cracking the bond where they are glued together, do not pull on the lower part of the panel to remove the clips on the top part of the panel. Pull on the top edge of the panel to pull out the clips on the top edge.

Finally, pull the door panel up and away from the door. If there are wires that were not disconnected then disconnect them now.

There may be a few little subtle intricacies to the job that I neglected to illuminate but hopefully other members can supplement my elemental procedural post Good luck with the door panel removal good sir!