Removing the door panel on the mk3 Jetta 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999
difficulty: 1/5
back to 1000q: mk3 VW TDI diesel FAQ and "how to" index

Introduction

This article shows how to remove the door cards in your mk3 a3 jetta for reupholstering, changing the speakers, soundproofing, or getting access to the door and window mechanism.

small allen wrench
thin pry
phillips screwdriver

Procedure

Pry off the outer face of the door handle, there are a few snap clips underneath.  Remove the 2 large Phillips screws are in the door, 1 small Phillips next to the door latch (red arrows below)

Remove the window and side view mirror switches.  If they are manual, the side view mirror switch pulls straight off.  To remove the manual window switch, squeeze the sides of the ring trim like the arrows below and slide the trim to the side.  The ring trim moves with the manual window handle, so squeeze perpendicular to the handle. 

If you have power mirrors or windows, just unplug the switches.

Nothing special about the manual window crank holding the handle.

Pry off the speaker grille, it just snaps on/off.  Remove the 4 phillips screws holding the speaker on, they also hold on the door panel.

Remove the small allen screws around the edge of the door panel.  After that, wiggle the door latch around it's hole and the door panel should come off.  Don't pull up near the window, just slide it straight out.  The door lock won't fit through it's plastic trim, just screw it and put to the side.

A lot of sound dampening can be put in here, it's just a plastic moisture barrier, see 1000q: soundproofing your TDI for more details.

Back of the door panel

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