I have a 2006 GT with the leather interior. The insert (with small holes) on the driver side door above the door handle has come unglued. I took it to the dealer today and they told me they would send it out for repair (car is still under warranty until August 24). The service advisor called me back about 2 hours later and said the repair place (3rd party) told them that a repair would not work well so the dealer ordered a new panel. It will arrive next week and the dealer will install it.

Can anyone tell me how difficult it is to remove and replace the panel? (btw - I'm not sure what "the panel" is...) Would they need to remove the door handle - but more importantly - disconnect any electrical parts like the window controls and lock device on the door handle?

Just want to get an idea of how complex a job this is as I am always afraid of taking the car to the dealer for fear they will damage something else. I am also afraid the mechanism that lifts/lowers the window slightly when opening the door may be damaged.

Sorry if this sounds paranoid but I hope you understand.

Thanks for any advice/feedback - especially from someone that has had to remove the door panel or has had this problem.

 

Hi,

I've removed door panels from many vehicles and I have to say that the Mustang was the easiest I ever removed. As I recall it took about 10 screws, 2 bolts, 1 electrical connector, and a couple of snap on trim covers to cover the bolts. It should be a piece of cake for even a ham-fisted technician. Just look over the panel closely before they start and when they are finished to make sure it fits just like new. Good luck!

Dave T.

 

Thanks Dave - greatly appreciate the kind feedback.

 

1. Remove the sail panel.
If equipped, disconnect the exterior mirror control switch electrical connector.
2. Remove the interior door handle cover and the door trim panel bolt.
3. Remove the window control switch housing.
Disconnect the electrical connector.
4. Remove the door trim panel center screw.
5. Remove the door trim panel handle cover and the door trim panel bolt.
6. Remove the 8 outer door trim panel screws and the door trim panel.
Disconnect the interior door handle actuating cable.
If equipped, disconnect the subwoofer electrical connector.

item part# description
1. 17D698 RH/ 17D699 LH sail panel
2. 21999 Door lock control **** bezel (RH/LH)
3. 22620 RH/ 22621 LH Interior door handle cover
4. N807780 Door trim panel bolt
5. 14527 RH/ 14528 LH Window control switch housing
6. Window control switch electrical connector
7. W709996 Door trim panel screw
8. 6320456 RH/ 6320457 LH Door trim panel handle cover
9. N807780 Door trim panel bolt
10. W709996 Door trim panel screw (8 required)
11. 23942 RH/ 23943 LH Door trim panel

 

I wouldn't describe yourself as paranoid, just prudent. I took my GT to the dealer a few months after I bought it (new) because the door lock switch light was out from the first day I got it. The proceeded to pry the whole handle assembly out, damaging the door, and then they didn't even fit it back in correctly. So make sure it's right before you take it home.

Ames

 

Wow Bill - Thanks for the details (kind of scary...)

Just wondering what the SAIL PANEL is???

Seems from the steps that this just comes out first. I think this may be the part that needs to be replaced... (Is it the trim section right above the door handle??)

Anyone know what the sail panel actually is?

THANKS!!!!

 

Ooops - Looked it up here (in case anyone else may be interested.)

http://windveilgt.com/docs/s197/fend.../door_trim.pdf

Seems like the entire door panel section will need to be removed - I will definitely be concerned and test all functionality when I get it back. At least it is under warranty : )

Thanks to all!!!!

 

the sail panel is number 1 in the illustration, it's the trianglar panel that hides the exterior mirror mounting nuts.

 

my passeger side door panel is doing this in certain spots. i was wondering if the dealer would repair that. good to know they would.

 

Hey Gang,

This is an easy fix but, it must be done correctly. In most cases if you take it to the dealer they may want to repalce the panel but that may not be needed (expensive if out of warranty). If they try to re-glue it then chances are they will try to use a headliner adhesive which is Not strong enough. Beware of the one hour fixes. You need to use a good contact cement. which should be applied by brush. you will then need to press and set it in place so that while the fumes and air exscapes it will hold flat (this is an overnight thing). Good Luck.