Door trim panels — removal and installation
Warning: The models covered by this manual are equipped with Supplemental Restraint Systems (SRS), more commonly known as airbags. Always disarm the airbag system before working in the vicinity of any airbag system component to avoid the possibility of accidental deployment of the airbag, which could cause personal injury (see Chassis electrical system).
Caution: Wear gloves when working inside the door openings to protect against cuts from sharp metal edges.
Removal
1. Disconnect the cable from the negative battery terminal (see Engine electrical systems).
2. Using a trim tool, pry out the outside mirror trim plate (see Mirrors — removal and installation).
3. Use a trim tool to pry out the cover from the inside door handle, then remove the mounting screw (see illustration).
16.3 Remove the decorative cover to reveal the screw, remove the screw and pry the bezel from the door panel
4. On Avalon models, pry up the window switch plate to access one panel mounting screw underneath and disconnect the electrical connectors (see illustration).
16.4 On Avalon models, pry up the power window switch plate, disconnect the electrical connectors and remove the one
screw through the door panel (if present)
5. On 2011 and earlier models, pry out the trim cover in the armrest and remove the mounting screws (see illustration). On 2012 and later models, pry the top of the armrest off to access the mounting screws.
16.5 On Camry and Lexus models, pry the armrest support handle cover off and remove the mounting screws
6. Pry the courtesy light assembly out from the bottom of the panel and disconnect the electrical connector (if equipped).
7. Remove the remaining door trim panel retaining plastic push pins or screws, then carefully pry the panel out until the clips disengage. Work slowly and carefully around the outer edge of the trim panel until it’s free (see illustration).
16.7 Carefully use a trim panel tool to pry all around the panel and release the clips
Note: Most of the screws on the door panel are covered by small plastic discs, which must be pried out before removing the screws.
8. Once all of the clips are disengaged, pull the trim panel up from the door, unplug any wiring harness connectors, disconnect the inside door handle cables and remove the panel.
9. For access to the door outside handle or the door window regulator inside the door, raise the window fully, remove the power window control unit (if equipped), the door panel bracket and the speaker assembly (see Chassis electrical system), then carefully peel back the plastic water shield (see illustration).
16.9 Carefully peel back the plastic water shield for access to the inner door
Installation
10. Prior to installation of the door trim panel, be sure to reinstall any clips in the panel which may have come out when you removed the panel.
11. Plug in the wire harness connectors for the power door lock switch and the power window switch, and place the panel in position in the door. Press the door panel into place until the clips are seated. Install the inner door handle and its screw and connect the two cables. Install the power door lock switch assembly, if equipped. Install the power window switch assembly.