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Ford Mustang V6 2005-2014: How to Remove Door Panels

Learn how to remove and replace your Mustang's door panel with the help of this article.

By Jerry Perez - October 9, 2015

This article applies to the Ford Mustang V6 (2005-2014).

The door panels are the upholstered panels to which your door handle, window, lock switches, and armrest are mounted on. The door panel is a cosmetic piece that matches that rest of your interior style, as well as protects wiring and other components housed inside the door. Removing the door panel in your Mustang may be necessary if you are repairing or upgrading your speakers, replacing weather-stripping, or simply repairing any of the door lock or window components. Follow these steps to remove and replace your door panel. It's quite simple.

Materials Needed

  • 7mm nut driver or wrench
  • Small flat head screwdriver or trim removal tool
  • T-30 Torx driver
  • Needle nose pliers

Step 1 – Prep door panel

Your Mustang's door panel is held in place in various ways. Follow these steps:

  • Use the 7mm nut driver or wrench to remove the eight bolts around the door's perimeter.
  • Remove the side mirror cover and disconnect the power mirror wiring harness.
  • Use the small flat head screwdriver to pop out the plastic cover behind the door handle.
  • Use the T-30 Torx driver to remove the screw behind the cover.
  • Use the small flat head screwdriver to pop out the plastic cover behind the door pull/armrest.
  • Use the T-30 Torx driver to also remove the screw behind the cover just removed.
  • Use the small flat head screwdriver to pop out the plastic power window and lock switch panel.
  • Disconnect the power window and lock wiring harness.
  • Lastly use the T-30 Torx driver to remove the screw behind the switch panel just removed.
  • Figure 1. Remove the perimeter bolts.
  • Figure 2. Remove mirror cover and disconnect wiring harness.
  • Figure 3. Pop plastic cover off.
  • Figure 4. Remove Torx screw, repeat with other areas.
  • Figure 5. Disconnect wiring harnesses.

Step 2 – Remove door panel

Now that the door panel as been disconnected and released of any screws, as well as wires and fasteners getting in the way, you can gently start tugging on the door panel. Keep in mind that it may be settled in place, and it may take some force to pop it out. Once the panel is out, un-clip the speaker wiring harness by hand and use the needle nose pliers to release the door latch mechanism. Always be gentle and do not use any sharp objects to pry off the door panel, as you could cause damage to the panel or other components.

  • Figure 6. Gently tug on the panel to pop it out.
  • Figure 7. Un-clip speaker wiring harness.
  • Figure 8. Unlatch door latch with needle nose pliers.

Step 3 – Install door panel

With the old panel out of the way, you can now perform whatever repairs are necessary and install the new or old panel in reverse order as it was removed. Follow these steps:

  • Position and set down the door panel in place.
  • Insert and tighten down the Torx screw by the power window and lock switch panel.
  • Reconnect wiring harness for the power window and locks.
  • Replace plastic cover.
  • Insert as well as tighten down the Torx screws by the door pull/armrest and door handle.
  • Replace plastic cover at both of those places.
  • Reconnect the power mirror wiring harness and replace side cover.
  • Insert and tighten down the eight 7mm bolts around the door's perimeter.
Figure 9. Door panel fully removed.

Featured Video: How to Remove Ford Mustang Door Panel

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