How to Install a Door Assembly on the '99 Honda Accord

The 1999 Honda Accord DX was equipped with a 2.3-liter engine and was considered the base model of the 1999 Accord lineup. The 1999 Accord DX door replacement instructions are identical to all two- and four-door 1999 Accord models. The door may need to be replaced due to severe rust or collision damage. The parts from the old door can be recycled into the new door if they are operable, and if necessary. The door panel needs to be removed on the old and new doors for removal and installation of the door assemblies.

Instructions

Door Panel and Hardware Replacement Instructions

1

Open the hood on the Accord, and set the hood prop. Remove the negative battery cable with a ratchet and socket. Tuck the cable to the side of the battery, so that there is no chance of accidental contact throughout this whole project. Move to the side of the vehicle where you are replacing the door.

2

Remove the small triangular tab, at the upper front of the door, if you are replacing a front side door. Remove the side mirror mounting bolts with a ratchet and socket. Pull the mirror body away from the side of the door. Disconnect the electrical connector if you have a power mirror. If you are not working on a front mirrored door, disregard this step and move directly to Step 3.

3

Remove the center cap in the middle of the door handle gusset with a flat-head screwdriver. Remove the Phillips screw from the middle of the door handle gusset. Remove the center cap from the middle of the door handle puller. Remove the Phillips screw from the center of the door handle puller. Insert the flat-head screwdriver into the indent in the bottom of the speaker grille. Pry the speaker grille gently away from the speaker. Remove the three speaker retaining screws.

4

Remove the door handle halfway out of the door. Unlock the door handle rod on the rear side of the door handle, using a flat-head screwdriver. Detach the rod from the door handle and remove the handle completely. Remove the window switch and door puller gusset from the door armrest. Disconnect the electrical connector from the door. If you have manual windows, remove the door puller gusset, then insert a small hook behind the window crank handle. Pull the retainer spring free, then remove the window crank handle.

5

Remove the speaker from the bottom of the door panel. Disconnect the electrical connector between the speaker and the door frame. Remove the door panel by using a door trim pad removal tool. Pull the trim pad clips free with the tool. Remove the entire panel from the door. Peel the door vapor liner free from the inside of the door frame. Disconnect the main electrical connector inside the door frame by hand. Proceed to the next section of this project for door replacement instructions.

Door Replacement Instructions

6

Open the door on the Accord as far as it will open. Matchmark the door hinges with a white paint marker or crayon. Trace the edges of the hinges on the door frame, as well as where the hinges are attached to the door.

7

Place a jack beneath the door with a plank of wood on top of the jack. Raise the jack to the bottom of the door, but do not push upward on the door. Insert pieces of cardboard between the door and the fender. Secure the cardboard to the fender with painter's tape, which will not damage your paint job.

8

Remove the door guide from between the door and the door frame by removing one of the clips from either the door or the frame. Use a ratchet and socket to remove the guide clip. Remove the door hinge bolts from the frame of the car with a ratchet and socket and an extension. Hold the door upright with your free hand, while you remove the second door hinge bolt set from the door frame. Pull the door away form the car horizontally and set the door away from the car.

9

Transfer any parts from the old door to the new door. If your new door is from a salvage yard, it may have all of the parts already intact. You will need to remove the door panel, speaker, puller gusset and door handle gusset from the new door to access the main electrical harness. If you are swapping the door hinges to the new door, simply measure your old door hinges at the top and bottom. Make matching marks on the new door. Remove the hinge bolts from the door, then swap the hinges.

10

Install the new door onto the wooden plank and jack assembly. Slide the entire apparatus horizontally toward the car. Align the door hinge bolt holes with the door frame by raising or lowering the new door slightly. Install the new door hinge bolts and tighten them snug with a ratchet, socket and extension. Test the physical alignment of the door latch against the door latch striker. Make your adjustments by loosening the hinge bolts and raising or lowering the door. Tighten the hinge bolts to 22 foot-pounds with a 1/2-inch-drive torque wrench, socket and extension.

11

Connect the main electrical connector to the new door by hand. Press the vapor guard back in place by hand and press the outer edges of the vapor guard to make sure it sticks in place. Install the door panel and hardware by reversing the directions in Section 1 of this project. Tighten all screws snug on the door panel. Do not overtighten the screws or you risk breaking parts of the plastic panel.

12

Install the outer mirror onto the car if you are working on a front door. Tighten the mirror mounting nuts snug from inside the door, using a ratchet and socket. Install the triangular plastic cover, and tap it in place with the handle of the screwdriver. If you are not working on a front mounted door, disregard this step and proceed to Step 8 of this section.

13

Connect the door guide clip to the door frame or the new door. Tighten the mounting bolts snug with a ratchet and socket. Move to the front of the Accord. Install negative battery cable back onto the battery, and tighten the tie down nut snug.