2001 Caravan Power Door Lock Switch
 

Has anyone ever changed the drivers side power door lock switch before. I tried to remove the panel without a lot of force. I didn't want to do any permanent damage. Does anyone know the simple way to remove the door panel?[/align]

RE: 2001 Caravan Power Door Lock Switch
 

There is a plastic plug straight down inside the hole in the armrest that you use to pull the door closed.
Under that plug is a screw that needs to be removed.
Inside the area where the inside door handle is is another plastic plug and a screw behind it has to be removed.
At the bottom of the door panel there is one or two screws exposed that you have to remove.
Check around for any other visible screws just in case I have forgotten some as I have only done this procedure once before.
Once the screws are removed you have to pry off the bottom of the panel. The panel is attached with plastic clips slipped into a groove on the door panel and pushed into a hole on the door. The clips do not always pop out of the hole easily and can actually break the thin plastic of the head of the clip that attaches to the panel so you need to pry out slightly and use a screwdriver to slip under the head of the clip and pry it off the door or pick up the door panel removal tool at a local parts store, they are fairly cheap.
The door panel attaches with a series of those push in clips along the bottom and sides of the door and then lifts up out of the window channel area and over the door lock plunger.
Be careful when you lift off the door panel as the metal rod that connects the interior door handle is still attached and running back inside the door. If it gets bent it could interfere with opening or latching the door when you put it back together.
Once the panel is pulled you can detach the plastic clip that holds the metal rod to the inner handle and can unplug the window/lock switches so you can put the panel somewhere out of the way while you work.

It's not really a hard job but those door clips break kind of easy. You can pick up replacements at most auto parts stores or the dealer.

RE: 2001 Caravan Power Door Lock Switch
 

REMOVAL
[ol][*]Remove the plug and remove screw attaching door pull cup to inner door panel.[*]Remove switch bezel and disconnect power window/memory switch.[*]Remove screws attaching trim panel to door from below map pocket.[*]If equipped, remove window crank. (Refer to 23 - BODY/DOOR - FRONT/WINDOW CRANK - REMOVAL)[*]Remove screw holding door trim to door panel from behind inside latch release handle .[*]Disengage clips attaching door trim to door frame around perimeter of panel.[*]Lift trim panel upward to disengage flange from inner belt molding at top of door.[*]Tilt top of trim panel away from door to gain access to latch linkage.[*]Disengage clip attaching linkage rod to inside latch release handle (INSIDE DOOR HANDLE LINKAGE).[*]Separate linkage rod from latch handle.[*]Disconnect the power door switch, courtesy lamp electrical connectors.[*]Remove front door trim panel from vehicle.[*][/ol]

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