I need to replace the rear inside door handle on my Licoln Zephyr (2006). Do I need to take off the door panel?

YOU NEED A NEW INSIDE DOOR HANDLE,WILL HAVE TO TAKE COVER OFF TO DO.HERE'S ONE FOR YOU. For Ford Fusion Milan Zephyr MKZ IF29291 Front Left Inside Door Handle... HERE'S A LINK ON HOW TO REPLACE YOUR DOOR HANDLE. DIY How to replace your 2006 2012 Ford Fusion Interior Door Handle Group 1...

That means the actuator is stripped inside and will have to be replaced. While replacing, make sure latch mechanism is free and not jamming.

There is a metal rod that connects the inside handle to the latch mechanism. You will need to take off the inside door panel to see if the rod is bent/broken or has detached from either the handle or the latch,

try pulling the door handle a time or two, perhaps the latching mechanism is stuck in the latched position. sometimes pulling the handle and moving the latch with a screwdriver is needed. if this doesn't work then try lifting up on the door while shutting it, if this works then you need new door hinge bushings or new door hinges

the inside door hanger came off you need to remove inside door panel a couple of screws and need to pop off panel to replace hanger

On the inside trim, you can remove screws (these screws may be covered by filler pieces or may be visible, or they may require you pry a plastic piece off that covers the screws) that are by the door handle, arm rest, under door and side of door and then gently pull back on the panel as there will also be retaining clips attached and you don't want to break them. You'll need to lift the door panel upwards in order to get it off the window ledge. Then you'll need to manipulate the panel and disconnect the door handle linkage from the door handle and disconnect the wiring for your controls. Then you need to pull back the weather seal and then you can access the bolts securing the outer handle

On the inside trim, you can remove screws that are by the door handle, arm rest, under door and side of door and then gently pull back on the panel as there will also be retaining clips attached and you don't want to break them. You'll need to lift the door panel upwards in order to get it off the window ledge. Then you'll need to manipulate the panel and disconnect the door handle linkage from the door handle and disconnect the wiring for your controls. Then you can access the bolts that secure the mirror onto the door

Your door should be held on with clips. Removing the panel is sometimes hard, just take a good WIDE flat head screwdriver, and whatever tool needed to remove the screws holding the panel on, and be careful. Check underneath the panel, by the inside handle, and the arm point for screws. Once removed, take your WIDE screw driver, and don't quite pry them off, more or less try to get it underneath and pull towards yourself. There is no real easy way, just try to be patient with it, and if you hit any binds, look for more screws, its just a matter of patience for sure.

You'll need to remove screws that are by the door handle, arm rest, under door and side of door and then gently pull back on the panel as there will also be retaining clips attached and you don't want to break them. If needed, you can pull back the weather seal (can't reuse it, but it's not that important) and you will be able to access everything inside the door