The side view mirror
electrical connection is behind the
plastic door panel, so removing the mirror
requires removing the door panel.
I removed the inside
door handle cover by first prying on the front of the
cover, then on the top of the cover.
I maneuvered the cover off the door handle.
Using a small flat screwdriver, I pried up on
the lock tab of the wire connector to the
door lock switch, and then pulled the connector
out.
View of back
of inside door handle cover. You can see some of
the plastic tabs that hold this part onto the
door panel.
Then I used a Phillips screwdriver to remove the
mounting screw behind the door handle trim.
I used a flat
screwdriver to pry the rear reflector
cover from the door panel.
View of back of reflector. The arrows show the
location of the mounting tabs.
Then I used a
Phillips screwdriver to remove the mounting
screw behind the reflector.
I used a flat screwdriver to pry against the side-view
mirror cover.
There is one snap clip
near the top that fastens the cover to the door.
View of back
side of side mirror cover (red arrow shows
the snap clip).
Note the rectangular plastic
tabs that secure the bottom of the cover.
Using a flat screwdriver, I lifted the tab on the
speaker wire connector and pulled the connector
apart.
I used a
rigid putty knife to release the snap clips that
connect
the plastic door panel to the metal door frame.
Then I pulled the door panel out slightly and
lifted upward
until the plastic panel was released from the
car door
frame.
There was
only one electrical connection between the metal door
shell and the door panel. Using both hands I unlocked the blue
lever and pulled the wire connector apart.
Back view of the Buick LeSabre door panel.
View of metal
door frame with trim panel removed.
Removing The Side View Mirror:
I followed the side view mirror wire to a
connection box. Using a flat
screwdriver, I depressed the electrical
connector tab and pulled the wires out.
Using a 10mm socket,
I removed the three mounting nuts (red arrows).
Caution: Have
a helper hold the mirror... if
it falls it can damage the door or the mirror.
Removing The Rear Door Panel:
The rear door panel had only one mounting screw.
I pried at
the front of the inside door handle cover.
After
it moved a little, I pried on the top part of
the cover.
I then maneuvered the cover away from the handle.
View of back
of the inside door handle cover.
I removed the mounting screw from behind the
cover with a Phillips screwdriver.
I removed the
rear reflector cover from the back of the panel,
only to find out there was not a mounting
screw there.
I used a flat pry tool to release the snap clips
from the metal frame.
Sometimes the rigid putty knife is not strong
enough.
I pulled the
panel out slightly and pushed upward until it
released from the door frame.
I used a small flat screwdriver to release the
lock tab on the wire connector and pulled it
apart.
Back view
of rear door panel.
View of metal door frame. The clear plastic
cover can be peeled back to reach the parts
inside the door.
