There are two distinct parts to the door panel, the bolster and the substrate module. The door latch and window regulator is attached to the substrate so when you take it off, you're left with an empty door shell. Here's some procedures and info from the factory service manual.

DESCRIPTION
Door trim modules include the hardware, window regulators, latch, remote handle and links, speakers and wiring harness. In addition to providing manufacturing efficiencies, the door modules benefit the customer too. Having all the parts assembled into a module improves build accuracy and fit and finish between the components and trim as a result of greater communication between the release engineers and suppliers.

Lower door trim (from the beltline down) is molded polypropylene. The door trim is two-tone with a darker color matching the instrument panel in the upper third and a lighter shade for the lower two-thirds, including the bolster and substrate.

Items Serviceable without removing module or opening bolster:

• Speaker grille
• Speaker
• I/s handle screw cover
• Front door mirror flag cover
• Fasteners accessible :
• Substrate and lower window regulator screws
• Speaker screws (after grille removal)
• Pull cup screw
• I/s handle screw (after cover removal)

Items Serviceable without removing module but with opening of bolster:

• Electric window switch
• Electric mirror switch (front driver door only)
• Bolster trim assembly
• Bolster seal
• Sock seals on switches
• Outside handle link
• Front door lock and rod assembly
• Front door latch
• Fasteners accessible :
• Pull cup clip
• Upper window regulator screws
• Pull cup screw (to biw)

Items Serviceable by removing entire module:

• Rear door latch
• Window regulator
• Inside remote handle
• Inside handle links
• Periphery seal (around edge of trim)
• Wire harness

BOLSTER REMOVAL

1. Disconnect and isolate battery negative cable.
2. Remove the screw (1) from the pull handle.
3. Using a trim stick C-4755 or equivalent, separate the bolster (3) from the door module (2).
4. Disconnect the electrical connectors (1), if equipped.
5. Disconnect the tethers (1) and remove the bolster (2).

DOOR GLASS REMOVAL

1. Place the glass (1) in the position shown to gain access to the glass connections (2) and (3) from behind the bolster.
2. Disconnect and isolate battery negative cable.
3. Separate the bolster (3) and allow it to hang by the tethers, (Refer to 23 - BODY/DOOR - FRONT/BOLSTER-TRIM PANEL - REMOVAL).
4. Depress the lock tabs (1) and release the glass (3) from the regulator (2) lift plates.
5. Remove the glass from the door.

To Be Continued in Next Post

 

Continued...

SUBSTRATE REMOVAL

1. Remove the door glass, (Refer to 23 - BODY/DOOR - FRONT/DOOR GLASS - REMOVAL).
2. Remove speaker (5), (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/AUDIO/SPEAKER - REMOVAL).
3. Disconnect the latch linkages (1 and 2).
4. Remove the latch screws (4).
5. Using a trim stick C-4755 or equivalent, remove the outside mirror trim (3).
6. Remove the trim screws (4) from the speaker opening.
7. Remove the trim cap (3) and the screw (1) at the inside handle.
8. Loosen lower screws (2).
9. Disconnect main harness connector.
10. Remove screws and separate harness from door frame.
11. Remove three upper bolts (1).
12. Lift the module (1) up off of the four trim hooks (3) and the lower regulator screws (4).
13. Pull the front of the trim module (1) out from the door and forward to remove the latch.

Continued In Next Post

 

Continued

I couldn't include all of the pictures that match the procedure, but these should be sufficient for getting the door panels off.

Good luck!

 

sweet thank you so much this helps me out 100 percent thank you!!!!!

 

@todde702:
That kind of help is very cool.
+1 to you

 

Glad I could help! Let us know how you make out and what you find too. It helps the community to know what breaks and how it was fixed.

 

todde702,
you really seem to know your stuff. I was wondering if you could also tell me how to remove the drivers side kick panel trim and moulding that goes along the bottom of the door jam so i can inspect the harness that travels through that area for shorts. I'm having a common problem with the awd! light blinking and beeping at me all the time and that sounds like a likely culprit. Could you help me get those things off without breaking anything. Thanks
Denny
2008 Jeep Patriot
Black