How to remove 1999 ford explorer trim panel when door is closed?

1. Open the window.
2. Unscrew the door lock knob.
3. On Explorer/Mountaineer, remove the 2 screws retaining the trim panel located above the door handle.
4. On Ranger, remove the two screws in the armrest and remove it.

Fig. 1: Exploded view of the front door trim panel

Fig. 2: Exploded view of the Explorer and Mountaineer 4-door rear door trim panel

1. If equipped with manual window crank handles, pull off the handle cover, then remove the attaching screw.
2. Remove the trim cup behind (Explorer/Mountaineer) or around (Ranger) the door handle using a small prying tool. Retention nibs will flex for ease of removal.

1. If equipped with power accessories, use the notch at the lower end of the plate and pry the plate off. Remove the plate from the trim panel and pull the wiring harness from behind the panel. Disconnect the harness from the switches.
2. Remove any retaining screws uncovered by the removed trim pieces.
3. Using a flat wood spatula, insert it carefully behind the panel and slide it along to find the push-pins. When you encounter a pin, pry the pin outward. Do this until all the pins are out. NEVER PULL ON THE PANEL TO REMOVE THE PINS!
4. Lift slightly to disengage the panel from the flange at the top of the door
   

1. Disconnect the door courtesy lamp and remove the panel completely. Replace any damaged or bent attaching clips.
2. Installation is the reverse of removal.

1. Open the window.
2. Remove the trim panel and watershield.
3. Disconnect the actuating rod from the lock control link clip.
4. Slide the retainer away from the lock cylinder.
5. Remove the cylinder from the door.
6. Use a new gasket when installing to ensure a watertight fit.
7. Lubricate the cylinder with suitable oil recommended for this application.

1. Remove the front door trim panel handle bezel cover.

1. Remove the front door trim panel handle bezel screws.

1. Remove the front door trim panel lower screws.

1. Remove the front door trim panel by lifting upward on the armrest to disengage the panel clips.

1. Disconnect the electrical connectors.

1. Disconnect the lock rod cable from the front door trim panel.

1. Disconnect the door handle conduit and cable from the front door trim panel.

1. To install, reverse the removal procedure.

1. Remove the rear view mirror mounting hole cover (17K709).

1. If equipped, remove the window regulator handle (23342); refer to Section 501-11 .

1. If equipped, remove the window regulator switch plate (14524); refer to Section 501-11 .

1. If equipped, disconnect the power windows, power door lock switch and power mirror connectors.

1. If equipped, remove the front door trim panel reflector or the courtesy lamp lens.

1. Remove the screws.

1. NOTE: Remove the front door trim panel (23942) by pulling it straight upward.
   Lift and remove the front door trim panel.

1. If equipped, twist the courtesy lamp connector one half turn and remove it from the front door trim panel.

1. NOTE: Left side exterior mirror shown, right side similar.
   Remove the interior door trim panel. For additional information, refer to Section 501-05 .

1. Disconnect the battery ground cable. For additional information, refer to Section 414-01 .

1. Remove the inside door handle bezel from the trim panel.

1. Remove the window switch assembly.

1. Disconnect the window switch and power door lock electrical connectors.

1. Remove the upper trim panel screw at the window switch opening.

1. Remove the lower trim panel screws.

1. CAUTION: To avoid damage to the door trim panel, do not pull directly outward for this step.
   Lift the door trim panel by pulling directly upward on the armrest to disengage the panel clips.

1. Disconnect the power mirror electrical connector.

1. Remove the trim panel.

1. Remove the weather shield.

1. Disconnect the electrical connector.

1. Remove the bolts.

1. Remove the exterior rear view mirror (17682).

1. Remove the rear pivot arm; refer to Pivot Arm—Rear .
2. Remove rear pivot arm.
   1. Lift the pivot arm nut cover.
   1. Remove the nut.
   1. Remove the pivot arm.

1. Remove the liftgate door trim panel; refer to Section 501-05 . Remove the (A) liftgate handle to liftgate screws and the (B) liftgate handle. Remove the liftgate trim panel screw access plug. Remove the screw.
2. Remove the liftgate door trim panel.
   1. Use Windshield and Molding/Trim Removal Kit to remove the liftgate door trim panel from the liftgate window opening.
   1. Push the liftgate door trim panel toward the top of the liftgate and remove the liftgate trim panel.

1. Position the watershield aside to gain access to the rear wiper motor.

1. Remove rear wiper motor.
   • Disconnect electrical connector.
   • Remove three retaining bolts.
   • Remove rear wiper motor.