How To Remove Door Panels On A 1999 Pontiac Sunfire

Projects & Repairs --> Trim --> Door Panels --> 1999 Pontiac Sunfire

Removal of 1999 Pontiac Sunfire door panel.

Removing Door Panels On A 1999 Pontiac Sunfire

Gaining Access To Repair Power Windows, Door Locks, Stereo Speakers and More.

(Covers Model Years 1995 to 2005)

In This Article:

The side view mirror cover is removed. Various screws are removed, the manual window handle is removed, and the door panel is pried away and lifted off the door.

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Skill Level: 2-3 (Basic to Intermediate)

Time Taken: About 15 Minutes

By Jim Wilk, Licensed Auto Body Technician

Start:

To remove the door panel on this 1999 Pontiac Sunfire, I had to remove six screws, the side view mirror cover and the window handle.

1999 Pontiac Sunfire door panel mounting screw locations.

Remove side view mirror cover mounting screw.

I removed the Phillips screw on the side view mirror cover first.

Then I maneuvered the cover off the side view mirror handle.

1999 Pontiac Sunfire remove side view mirror cover.

Rear view of side view mirror cover 1999 Pontiac Sunfire.

View of back of mirror cover.

There were no snap clips on the back of the cover... just one screw held it in place.

Removing The Side View Mirror:

I removed the insulation sponge to expose the mirror mounting bolts.

Remove insulation sponge over side view mirror, 1999 Pontiac Sunfire.

Mounting bolt locations for side view mirror 1999 Pontiac Sunfire.

Using a 10mm socket, I removed the side view mirror mounting nuts (red arrows).

Caution: Have someone hold the mirror... if it falls it can cause damage to the outside painted panel.

To remove the inside door latch cover, I used a tack puller to pry at the top area to release the clips.

1999 Pontiac Sunfire prying up inside door latch cover.

Remove inside door latch cover 1999 Pontiac Sunfire.

Then I slid the cover forward to unhook it from the back, and I removed the cover.

View of back of inside latch cover.

View of back inside door latch cover 1999 Pontiac Sunfire.

1999 Pontiac Sunfire inside door pull handle mounting bolts,

Using a 7mm socket, I removed both fastening screws under the inside door pull handle.

Then, using a Phillips screwdriver, I removed the three screws from the bottom of the panel edge.

Location of mounting screws on bottom of door panel, 1999 Pontiac Sunfire.

Remove the manual window crank handle with a window crank removal tool.

I used a window handle removal tool to release the spring on the window handle.

View of back of window handle.

Back view of window crank handle assembly, 1999 Pontiac Sunfire.

View of window crank stud 1999 Pontiac Sunfire.

View of window regulator shaft after handle was removed.

Next I removed the Phillips screw from the back lower corner of the plastic door panel.

Mounting screw on side of plastic door panel, 1999 Pontiac Sunfire.

Release door panel clips on 1999 Pontiac Sunfire.

Then, using a rigid putty knife, I pried behind the door panel and released the snap clips that held the panel to the door.

I pulled outward slightly and lifted upward to release the top lip of panel from the door.

Lifting door panel from metal door frame, 1999 Pontiac Sunfire.

Release speaker wire connector behind door panel, 1999 Pontiac Sunfire.

Using a small flat screwdriver, I released the lock tab on the speaker wire connector and pulled it apart.

At this point the door panel was completely separated from the door.

View of back of plastic door panel.

Back view of plastic door panel, 1999 Pontiac Sunfire.

View of metal door frame.

The plastic sheet can be peeled back to reach inside the door and repair things like the door lock or window mechanism.

More Info:

Tools Used:

Basic Mechanic's Tools
Sockets: 7mm, 10mm
Phillips screwdriver
Small Flat Screwdriver
Tack Puller
Window Handle Removal Tool
Rigid Putty Knife

Materials Used:

None

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Written June 10, 2010