How to Remove the Door Panel of a 1997 Jeep Cherokee

The interior door panel in your 1997 Jeep Cherokee is removable, which allows access to the components within the door. If you have a panel with damage such as cracks or scratches on the panel, you can replace it with a new panel from the dealer, an aftermarket panel available from many auto parts stores or a used panel from a salvage yard. In any case, removal and replacement of the door panel is a great do-it-yourself project to complete in your garage or driveway.

Instructions

1

Open the door of your Jeep and roll the window all the way down. If you have manual windows, remove the window crank by sliding a window crank removal tool behind the crank handle, pushing the retaining clip off the regulator shaft.

2

Locate the four screws securing the door handle and armrest to the door. There are two screws in the face of the armrest and a third in the top of it. The fourth screw runs through the trim panel for the interior door handle.

3

Remove each of the four bolts with a Phillips screwdriver, remove the armrest from the door and remove the door-handle trim. Set them in a safe place for use during the reinstallation process.

4

Starting at the bottom of the door panel, locate the nine push-in fasteners that secure the panel to the door. Using a trim stick, pry the clips loose from the door, working around the door until the panel is loose.

5

Pull the bottom of the door panel out and lift it up to free it from the top of the window frame. Lift the panel off the door enough to disconnect the wiring harness connectors on the back of the door from the power locks and power window switches. Release the locking clips on the connectors and they will pull right off the switches.

6

Remove the door panel completely and set it aside while you perform any other work needed.