Inside door panel removal? '93 SC2 -- specifically the door handle...

[benson500]

I need to troubleshoot my power window regulator today, but I'm not sure how to remove the inside door handle/lock/trim piece.

It doesn't seem obvious and I don't want to break anything while removing the inside door trim panel.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[diestrutionomeg]

If it is setup like the 92's interior, which i belive that it is, then what you need to do is as follows. and yes, ive done this a few times.
1. Remove the power lock switch, if equiped. To do this, pry it out from the top (there is a small notch for this), disconnect the connector, and set aside.
2. Remove the small screw under the door handle.
3. Slide the whole assembly to the left or right (i cant remember which one). It is held into place by hooks on the back which latch it to the door, by sliding it, it will be able to be pulled free once it is aligned properly.
4. Now, to remove the metal connecting rods that connect to the door lock and door handle, use a long flathead screwdriver to reach behind the assembly, to relase the small connector that holds them to the latches, and then to push the rods out of the connection.
5. Your assembly is free. also, there are screws that hold the door handle in, which will need to be removed also before the interior panel will come free.

Instalation is reverse of removal, but use caution not to break the assembly on instalation.
Good Luck!
-Omnicron

[diestrutionomeg]

I may note however, that even after you remove the interior panel, you will not be able to get to the regulator.
You will need to remove the outside panel to get to that.
1. remove the outside door handle.
2. Unbolt the side mirror. Unscrew the interior trim piece, then remove the 3 nuts from the studs for the mirror. Let hang temporarly.
3. Remove the trim piece/seal at the top of the door panel. The best way ive found to do this is to pry up the end, and then pull upwards from that point.
4. Remove the bolts holding the panel on, from the inside of the door. You will need a speicalty tool for it.
5. Be carefull as the door panel is somewhat akward, but gently remove it from the door at this point, being carefull of any other pieces that it may be stuck on.
Instalation is the reverse of removal.
Good luck on that too. By the way, this procedure of removal and instalation takes a good 2 hours usually. Oh, and be carefull when installing it to not overtighten the bolts on the panel. They are just going into metal retainters over a flange on the plastic panel, and it is very easy to break the panel (voice of experence here).
If theres any other question on the front doors, ill probably be able to answer it. Just ask.
-Omnicron

[cozkramer]

Is the procedure the same for a '96 SC2? I need to dynomat the thing and fix the speakers. I've already broken a couple plastic studs from the speaker surround and don't wanna do anymore damage as the panel costs over 200 smackers from the dealer.. ouch!

[benson500]

Thanks, Omnicron! Burning some midnight oil, eh? I held off digging into it until I got some advice, so I will do it some time this week. I was hoping it was just the switch, but that didn't help it any.

BTW, if you have any insight into troubleshooting headlights, see my thread on that one.

Thanks again,
Benson

[diestrutionomeg]

Originally Posted by cozkramer

Is the procedure the same for a '96 SC2? I need to dynomat the thing and fix the speakers. I've already broken a couple plastic studs from the speaker surround and don't wanna do anymore damage as the panel costs over 200 smackers from the dealer.. ouch!

It should be the same. Ive found that saturn kept things simple. The only difference should be the shape of the panels.

And, i had just gotten home from work, wonderfull shift they give me.
-Omnicron