Rear 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: Pushing Upper Hook And Pivot Inner Handle Cap On Bottom Hooks
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. Stating 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 the cables will be damaged.

Fig 4: Pulling Door Panel Up Too Far
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 power window switch connector (A) and courtesy light connector (B), detach the harness clips (C), then remove the door panel (D).
NOTE: If you are only removing the door panel, go to step 10. If you are doing further disassembly of the door panel, continue to step 7.

Fig 6: Identifying Power Window Switch Connector, Courtesy Light Connector, Door Panel And Harness Clips
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

Inner handle removal
If necessary, 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 Cable Fastener, Inner Handle, Latch Cable And Cable Fastener
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

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

Fig 8: Identifying Wood Trim, Door Grip, Armrest Cover, Armrest Assembly, Door Panel And Screws
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

Power window switch panel removal
If necessary, remove the screws (A, B) and release the pins (C), then separate the armrest (D), the power window switch panel (E) and the power window switch (F).

Fig 9: 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 10: Identifying Latch Cable Locked Position Dimension
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.