How to Remove a Door Panel on a 1988 Buick LeSabre

Most modern door panels are attached by a few clips and a couple of screws. The door panel for the 1988 Buick LeSabre, however, is a bit more complicated. Removing it requires more effort than the process would require in a newer car. Nevertheless, the process isn't overly difficult. You can remove the Buick's door panel in about 30 minutes. You'll need to do so to make repairs to the door lock or window control system.

Instructions

1

Turn off the LeSabre's engine. Disconnect the negative cable from the battery with pliers for safety. Wait at least 90 seconds before continuing.

2

Open the door. Examine behind the inside handle to find a Phillips screw. Remove it. This secures the inside handle panel. Slide the panel away from the handle.

3

Pry around the edges of the door lock and window switch panel with a flat head screwdriver. Pull the panel off. Detach the connection for the power door lock and power window on the back. Set the panel to the side. Remove the Phillips screw inside the switch panel cavity.

4

Pry up the edge of the seat belt cover on the door panel. This is the cover around the cavity the seat belt enters. Underneath the cover you'll find two Phillips screws. Remove them.

5

Remove the Phillips screw from the inside corner of the door panel, across from the outside mirror. Pull this panel off. Remove the Phillips screw behind the panel.

6

Pry off the reflector in the lower corner of the door panel. It's a manual reflector; there is no plug to disconnect. Remove the Phillips screw behind the reflector.

7

Remove the two Phillips screws from the bottom edge of the door panel. This panel is separate from the rest of the door panel. Pull it off and set it to the side.

8

Slide a trim tool or pry tool between the edge of the door panel and the door. Pry outward. You'll hear the clips disconnect. Work your way around the panel, until all, or the majority, of the clips are unhooked.

9

Pull the entire door panel off. Check behind to make sure there are no connections attached. If there are, unplug them before setting the door panel to the side.