How do you remove the door panel on a Mazda Protege?

Answer 1

Okay I did this 2 weeks ago for a friend but don't have the car here so this is from memeory. I did go to Pep Boys and get some hints from a manual that was opened. Remove plug from upper rear side of door. If you pull out the post slightly out from the sleeve, then the sleeve can come out - it's all one piece. Pry off the triangular cover that is above the panel and covers the backside of the mirror mount. You need to do this to eventually lift up the panel. Then peek arount he edges of the panel to pop out or pry out the nylon plugs that anchor the panel to the door. Do this carefully so you don't damage the panel. Next unscrew the handle cover. You'll see the lever handle is attached to the latch rod with a nylon sleeve over the upturned hook on the rod. I squeezed the nylon post pices together to allow tha handle to slide off. The nylon post is also clipped to the rod. Rotate this off the rod and it will be easier. When you peek in it will be self-evident. I found this the hardest pice to get back on. Do this carefully to not lose or break the little nylon sleeve. Next you need to find the screws that secure the panel. This is where I am vague on where and how many but they should be visible as you go. The first is totally visible. The next is found when you pop off the soft vinyl arm rest starting from the back. The next and last is a vinyl covered screw visible in the upper right of panel. Think that's it. Then pop out the electronic controls for windows. This took me 1.5 hours when I didn't know what I was doing and 15 minutes when I did it again later. Once removed there is a waterproof plastic attached to door with black sticky tape. Peel this off carefully and you can reuse it. My friend also did this again later by herself so two of us who didn't know how, were able to do it, while going slowly. Good luck.