The Dodge Dakota is the mid-sized pickup in Chrysler's Ram truck fleet. The 1997 model was the first of the second generation Dakotas, characterized by a look more akin to the full-size Rams. Door panels on the Dakota serve to hide the door's interior components and provide a bit of sound proofing for the cabin while blending seamlessly with the Dakota's interior trim package. Door panel removal becomes necessary if the need arises to remove, repair or replace any of the door's interior components, such as the window motor, window regulator, lock actuator or door latch.
Instructions
- 1
Roll the window down. Remove the C-clip holding the window crank onto the door using the window crank removal tool.
2Pry the crank handle from the door with the crank removal tool. Set the crank handle and C-clip aside for easy retrieval during re-installation.
3Remove the Torx screw behind the inner door pull using a No. 25 Torx driver.
4Remove the screws holding the door panel to the door using a Phillips screwdriver. Screw locations include one behind the mirror on the A-pillar, two at the bottom of the door, two on the trailing edge.
5Pry the inner door handle bezel out of the door panel with a trim tool. Set the bezel aside.
6Lift the door panel up and off the door, making sure to guide the inner door handle through the hole in the door panel. Disconnect the wiring from the power lock, window or mirror switches -- depending on how the Dakota is equipped -- before moving the door panel completely away from the door.
7Reinstall the door panel by reversing the removal procedure.
