door panel

i was wondering how to remove the door panel on my 97 t-bird, i need to replace the door handle any tips would help.

thanks,
jeremy

Disconnect the battery ground cable and then carefully pry the door panel insert away from the door panel, starting at the front end of it. This is the insert panel that the switches are in. There are two tabs along the front edge, two along the top edge, one on the bottom and at the lower back corner is a tab that fits in back of the door panel if I remember right, so you have to slide the insert panel forward to disengage it. If it doesn't slide forward then try pulling it straight out like the rest of the tabs. Disconnect all the wires and then remove the insert panel. With the insert panel removed you will see a screw that holds the door panel to the door so remove it. Then remove the interior light cover and remove the screw you will find there. Slide the door panel up and then rotate the top of the panel inward and lift the bottom hooks from the door. Disconnect the window regulator jumper wire and then the door panel.