How do you remove the driver's side door panel on a 1998 Ford Contour?

Answer 1

Procedure as covered in the Haynes repair manual, did't answer all of my questions either however, since I have just accomplished this task this is how it goes.

Tools required: Small jewelers screwdrive flat blade, #2 Phillips screwdrive 6", 3/16" flat blade scredriver 6" and, flashlight.

Retract window to full down position, Remove all screw covers with jewerlers screw driver; Small round flush mounting plug in center of plastic triangle above door panel, behind door latch single cover, cover in center of door pull, and lower front of door panel single cover. Use #2 Phillips screwdriver and remove parimeter screws located on sides and bottom of door panel (use flashlight if needed), from center of pastic triangle (shorter of four larger screws), screw from door panel lower inside which was covered, two screws from door pull area, and single beveled screw located behind door latch. Using 3/16" flat screwdriver, this is a little tricky, remove plastic cover from around door latch/window/lock controls area, front is clipped in and can be gently pried out, and at the same time there is another plastic piece which needd to be pushed in with tip of screwdriver to release its beveled hook from latching piece to door. This plastic latching device is behind door opening latch and is difficult to see, or at least recognize how to release it from its position. Once the center plastic piece is remove than the entire door panel can be lifted from the door. Good luck