94 Century Door Pannel Removal

Hi folks:

I need to pull the driver door panel from a 94 Buick Century, the driver's window came loose and isn't connected to anything solid for some reason.

I have a Chiltons shop manual for 97 - 00 Century/Lumina... , which I hope will be applicable.

The book recommends using a "door trim panel and garnish clip remover such as GM/s J38778".

The Buick dealer's (Braley and Graham in Portland, Or.) parts doesn't sell tools but suggested I check local parts stores. A clerk sold me a Powerbuilt Door Handle Tool. This tool has "648542" stamped on it.

I'm wondering it this is in fact the correct tool, and thought I'd ask here before I take it out of its packaging.

The door lock latch handle protrudes through a small slot in a plastic panel that is separate from the rest of the door panel. This handle is fixed to a horizontal bar that disappears back toward the lock mechanism It doesn't look like it's going to slip out of the plastic panel. It looks like this might prevent me from removing the door panel even if I separate the clips that hold the panel to the door. Will this resolve itself when I get the panel loose?

Thanks Larry

Reply to
Larry Lindstrom
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From the service manual:

REMOVE:

  1. all inside door handles
  2. door inside locking knob
  3. screws inserted through door armrest into door inner panel or armrest support brackets
  4. mirror escutcheon; then disengage end of mirror control cable from escutcheon
  5. with power windows disconnect wire harness in switch assembly
  6. control handle escutcheon screws
  7. screws, plastic retainers, and clips from perimeter of door trim pad using J 38778 and a screwdriver
  8. escutcheon from trim panel
  9. pass belt webbing through upper and lower slits in trim panel
  10. push trim panel upward and outboard to disengage from door inner panel at the beltline
  11. with courtesy lamps in lower area of trim panel disconnect wire harness at lamp assembly

You should be able to get a door trim "tool" at a place like Advance or AutoZone. The tool you describe sounds like a door handle spring clip remover (which you might need anyway). The trim panel tool will look something like a medium width putty knife that has a notch cut out of its center and has rounded corners.

Reply to
Silver Surfer

Thanks Silver Surfer:

I'm not familiar with the whole Century line.

This particular '94 wagon has electric windows, locks, and side view mirrors. I don't know if any of this is optional.

The attach points for the door handle and mechanical lock handle are behind, and protruding through, a small plastic panel which also has all the electric window and lock switches mounted on it. This plastic panel is separate from the rest of the interior door panel.

The lock latch handle is attached to a bar that goes back to the door lock.

I'm not seeing any obvious method to remove the door latch or the lock latch handle from the end of the rod that goes back to the lock. The door latch handle looks like it will slide out of this small panel, but the lock latch handle doesn't fit through the slot on the small panel. The small panel with the door and lock latch handles and the window and lock switches screws over a hole in the door panel, but the small panel is much larger than the hole it sits over, so it will have to be removed before the door panel can come out.

It's hard to see behind the small panel, because the door handle and lock latch handle are holding it on, but there is also wiring for the electricals on the small panel. I'm also not seeing any obvious plugs in the harness where these can be disconnected.

I appreciate you taking time to offer me this assistance. But I'm not having much luck.

Thanks Larry

Reply to
Larry Lindstrom

More from the manual:

Remove inside handles and switchplates:

With power windows:

Remove screws (2) from inside remote handle escutcheon

Remove door lock knob .insert a small flat bladed tool such as a screwdriver behind end of lock knob and pry to force it away from rod

.after end of rod is free from know slide knob rearward from assembly

(continue)

Remove all wire connectors and bulb from escutcheon

Remove escutcheon by sliding it forward to clear inside handle and inside locking rod and then sliding escutcheon rearward to disengage tabs on front of escutcheon from trim panel

Reply to
Silver Surfer

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