Front Door Panel Removal/Installation

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2013 Acura MDX, 2012 Acura MDX, 2011 Acura MDX, and 2010 Acura MDX. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Special Tools Required

KTC Trim Tool Set SOJATP2014*
Trim Pad Remover, Snap-on A 177A or equivalent, commercially available

*Available through the Acura Tool and Equipment Program, 888-424-6857

NOTE:

Use the appropriate tool from the KTC trim tool set to avoid damage when removing components.
Take care not to scratch the door or the related parts.
When prying with a flat-tip screwdriver, wrap it with protective tape to prevent damage.

Using a trim tool, push on the upper hook (A) and pivot the inner handle cap (B) on the bottom hooks (C), then remove the cap and the screws securing the inner handle (D).

Fig 1: Identifying Upper Hook And Pivot Inner Handle Cap
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Pry out the bottom edge of the grip cover (A) at the notches with the trim tool to detach the clips and to release the hooks (B). Then remove the cover.

Fig 2: Prying Out Bottom Edge Of Grip Cover
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Remove the screws.

Fig 3: Identifying Grip Cover Screws
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Remove the door panel (A) with as little bending as possible to avoid creasing or breaking it.
1. Start at the bottom edge of the door panel, release the clips with a commercially available trim pad remover.
2. Detach the upper clips.
3. Starting at the rear, pull the door panel upward.
NOTE: The inner handle cable (B) and the latch cable (C) are connected to the inner handle (D). Do not pull the door panel up too far, or these cables will be damaged.

Fig 4: Identifying Door Panel
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Remove the inner handle (A) from the door panel.
1. Hold the door panel (B) away from the door.
2. Pull on the front of the inner handle to detach the first clip. Keep pulling until the rest of the clips are detached, then remove the handle.
Fig 5: Removing Inner Handle From Door Panel
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Disconnect the door subharness connector (A), power mirror switch connector (B), and the BSI Alert indicator connector (C) (with ACC), then remove the door panel (D).
NOTE: If you are only removing the door panel, go to step 11. If you are doing further disassembly of the door panel, continue to step 7.

Fig 6: Identifying Door Subharness Connector And Power Mirror Switch Connector
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

Inner handle removal
Remove the latch cable fastener (A) from the inner handle (B), and then disconnect the latch cable (C) from the cable fastener (D). Disconnect the inner handle cable (E) from the cable fastener (F), then remove the inner handle.
NOTE: If the cable fasteners are damaged or stress-whitened, replace them with new ones.

Fig 7: Identifying Latch Cables
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Disconnect the power window switch connector (A), and on the driver's side, disconnect the power door lock switch connector (B) and the seat position memory switch connector (C).

Fig 8: Identifying Latch Cable Fastener And Inner Handle
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

Armrest removal
Remove the screws, then remove the grip (A), the armrest assembly (B), the armrest cover (C) and the wood trim (D) from the door panel (E).

Fig 9: Identifying Grip, Armrest Assembly, Armrest Cover, Wood Trim And Screws
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

Power window switch panel removal
Remove the screws (A, B), then separate the armrest (C), the power window switch panel (D) and the power window switch (E).

Fig 10: Identifying Power Window Switch Panel Screws
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Install the door panel in the reverse order of removal, and note these items:
- If the clips are damaged or stress-whitened, replace them with new ones.
- Replace any damaged cable fasteners with new ones.
- The latch cable (A) should be fixed to the cable fastener (B) with the latch in the locked position as shown.
- Make sure the connectors are plugged in properly, and the cables are connected securely.
- Do the power window control unit reset procedure (see RESETTING THE POWER WINDOW CONTROL UNIT ).
- Make sure the window and the power door lock operate properly.
- When reinstalling the door panel, make sure the plastic cover on the door is installed properly.
- Push the clips and the hooks into place securely.
Fig 11: Identifying Latch Cable Locked Position Dimension
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.