This topic has come up a few times, and while other threads give some info on this, a detailed look at the switch panel removal alone seemed to be in order.

To remove the switch panel for the power window, mirror, and door lock, the speaker grille is the 1st item to be removed.

On 06 MY trucks this must come off first to give enough room for the tabs on the switch panel. Posts on 04-05 MY trucks suggest this is not the case. YMMV.

A plastic trim tool is needed to remove the switch panel. next best option is a plastic putty knife, last option is a screw driver or putty knife in a rag.
The trim tool should be stiff enough to release the panels, while being a milder plastic when compared to the door panel, as not to damage the door panel or switch panel.

To remove the speaker grille, I start in the front most part of the speaker grille, and using a plastic trim tool, release the tabs holding the grille on.
using the trim tool, release the speaker grille in 2 locations, to be able to get your hand in the opening.
These are plastic tabs with clips formed on them, so care is needed not to break the tab or the clip area on the tab.

 

Once the grille has been released enough to get your fingers behind it, work you way around the grille, releasing the tabs.

There is a plastic pin at the top ( by the door handle ) that is used for locating the panel when reinstalling. Make sure to have enough grille released to pull this straight out.



This is the area on the 06 MY that does not have enough clearance without the grille being removed. Some posts suggest this is not the case on 04-05 MY trucks, YMMV.

 

To remove the switch panel itself, there are 2 spring clips, and 3 tabs.


The trim tool is used to release the spring clips on the side of the switch panel towards the inside of the truck ( where the passenger's right thigh would be ).


Releasing the spring clips by placing the trim tool in between the switch panel, and door panel, and twist clock wise, or anti clock wise.



Once the spring clips are released, the switch panel is raised up to release the tabs on the switch panel that hood to the door panel.


This is a close up of the switch panel tabs and the slots in the door panel.


At this point, the switch connectors can be released, and the switches removed for repair or replacement.

 

I will have to look to see the difference but my '04, like you said does not require grill removal. I will see if I can take just as fancy pictures, but no gloves for me.

 

On my 06' everything is the same and all I did was take a screw driver and just pop it up like you did to release the spring clamps then you have to just lift up the end you popped out and slide the other end down and out. Didnt have to remove anything else.

 

He is right, well with my 05 anyway, you don't have to take the speaker screen off to get the the switches.

 

Nice write up, SSCULLY!!

 

Thnx much. I'll print this should I ever get around to doing a stereo system. This way the installers don't bust off the clips.

 

This fix works great! Thanks for the post!

-Wayne

 

Thanks, good writeup considering the issues with the window switches.