How do you remove rear door panel on a 2003 Lincoln Town Car?

Answer 1

I am the owner of a 2004 town car, Ican't get the right frunt window to go up or down from the switch on the driver's door. I need to get the door panal off , help.

04 TC Passenger side rearview mirror replace

Background:

I needed to replace the passenger side rear view mirror on my 2004 TC. While searching online I ran across an article by a manufacturer of aftermarket turn signal mirrors. They are mirror replacements that have a set of LEDs in the shape of an arrow. I was particularly impressed by the instructions for disassembling the door panel. Here it is and I quote "Remove the door panel, kick panel, and plastic trim piece along the bottom of the door frame."

I must admit these instructions are very concise but, totally useless. As a result I learned the following instructions by trial and error. I'm posting this so you won't have to.

Tools:

• Medium (#2) Phillips screwdriver
• Small flat blade screwdriver
• Trim pad removal tool (Optional, I did not need it - you can use a strong 3" putty knife or your fingers)
• Ratchet with extension - I used a ¼" drive
• 8mm socket
• T30 torx screwdriver

With a small flat blade screwdriver pry off the screw cover inside the door handle.

Do this from the top of the cover.

It is a cute little trap door that is hinged at the bottom.

Remove the screw using the T30 TORX.

TORX behind door handle cover

Snap out the two door pull strap retaining screw covers using a small flat blade.

Remove the two Phillips screws.

Note: the screws may be different lengths.

Remove the three screws along the bottom of the door trim panel.

They are concealed in carpet.

Feel with you fingers until you locate a slit in the carpet.

Insert your Phillips and locate the screw.

Screw hidden behind horizontal slot in carpet

Back the screws out until you can see the head just coming trough the carpet. Don't take it all the way out. Locating the hole later could be a bear.

Keep gently tugging on the panel until you feel it release. These screws go into nylon 'nut plates' that spread to secure them to the door.

Using the trim pad removing tool, pry the trim panel retaining clips from the door inner panel. I used my fingers. Once the screws are removed it comes away fairly easily.

Try lifting up on the door panel firmly first, it may come off easily.

The black plastic molding covering the three mirror retaining bolts simply snaps out. I used a blade screwdriver for this part of the operation. If you own a chip-chaser (or a very thin object about 6" long, like a table knife) you can feel for the clips to get closer for better leverage and less damage to them.

Beware there is a set of three plastic retaining clips one of which has a metal retainer that may come along with it. It is the top one. They fit into the rectangular slots shown here.

Remove the speaker with your Phillips screw driver (3 screws). You will need this access to the interior of the door to disconnect the mirror wiring.

I found it easier to first remove the connectors from the door to unplug the connectors. You are left to your own devices here. I used a plastic mallet to knock them back through the door. See arrow at right. They are strong little buggers!

Disconnect the wiring connectors.

Assembly:

Caution: when replacing the connectors assure that the wires are routed in front of the window glass channel else the wires will block the window from going down all the way - I know L

I do not know the torque specs.