How to Remove a Door Panel in a Toyota RAV4 (2001 to 2005)

Toyota Door Panel Removal and lock fix. Learn step-by-step, how to remove the door panel from a Toyota RAV4. I show you all of the tricks so you dont break anything or damage the door in the removal process. I also show you how to fix the common problem where the door key lock doesn't work.
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Disclaimer:
Due to factors beyond the control of ChrisFix, I cannot guarantee against improper use or unauthorized modifications of this information. ChrisFix assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. Use this information at your own risk. ChrisFix recommends safe practices when working on vehicles and or with tools seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of ChrisFix, no information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage, or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or from the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not ChrisFix.

[@ian-km9mv]

In 6 years you have accomplished so much like buying and building a protect car,helping people,making money from fixing cars,helping people,teaching millions of people what to do in cars,etc thank you Chris

[@dianeruiz0721]

This helped me not to be afraid to do this myself! Thanks very much Chris ❤

[@leafybreezestudios1025]

Legend mate, you helped me get a mate out of a tricky situation. Thank you

[@chrisfix]

+Dave Johnson, I cannot reply to your comment for some reason so I hope you see this. Thanks for the comment! The door lock actuator rod snapped in the white plastic piece really tight. I tried to pop it out but it wouldnt. In retrospect I should have used a zip tie just to ensure no future problems. I did not think of it at the time because it was in there nice and tight.

[@zacharyc3102]

@Chris Fix, where did you get your panel remover tool? Can you send me a link on where I could pick one up?

[@joetang9672]

Very handy guide, still useful in 2024! Cheers. 👍

[@chrisfix]

I'm glad this is still useful! Thanks!

[@musicgeek3752]

A fun and easy video down the road might be a window motor and regulator replacement. There are plenty of them on KZbin but none from a guy using basic hand tools in north Jersey! In typical fashion of going all out maybe you could mod a vehicle to have all auto powered windows to give it that extra certified Chrisfix touch! Thanks for all you've done. You've given me so much confidence over the years to tackle my problems head-on instead of paying insane prices for someone else to do it for me and assuming it wasnt something I could have just done myself on a Saturday afternoon. I've saved thousands on my car and hope for tens of thousands more smiles per gallon!

[@bryanpope2615]

This is by far the finest quality remodel video I have seen right down to the cross-fades. By the way, this walkthrough is suitable for 98- 2000 models. I have a 99 and I thank you very much.

[@chrisfix]

+Bryan Pope Great! Glad the video was helpful!

[@mattkeefe3850]

Well done. You explain things very well. The camera work and editing are very efficient and don't waste any time.

[@chrisfix]

Matt Keefe Thanks Matt! Glad the video was helpful and you liked it!

[@quigs007]

Legend I own a RAV4 and was stuck on that door handle, this has help amazingly thank you Chris fix

[@stuff6063]

best video of this task that I have seen .. brief, straightforward, talking is limited to the task itself (no personal yak about self or unrelated topics). Well done ! and THANK YOU ! I'm of the generation when speaker covers simply popped off or had their own screws. Am annoyed I have to remove so much stuff just to change a speaker, but your video has made that task so much easier without me breaking something

[@tzerkumpel]

Thank you, it's really easy. I have broke the windows control panel latch and maybe something else before your video. tomorrow I'll take a new attempt. hope I'll be a winner.

[@steadyeddie7453]

I would add to your well explained video to secure the linkage rod in the plastic retainer clip with something like a tiny cable tie or if you have heat shrink tubing then slide a 2" length of tubing over the plastic retainer, past where the linkage connects. Then connect the linkage and slide the heat shrink back up and over the connection. Heat with a hair dryer or heat gun and never have to worry about it popping out again. Thanks for the detailed video.

[@Infernalis1]

Thank you very much. My window on the drivers side was stuck in the down position, this really helped me a lot. I got the window fixed, and everything is back together. Your video helped me get the door panel out of my way without messing it up. Greatly appreciated.

[@chrisfix]

Infernalis1 Awesome! Glad the video was helpful!

[@aaronross2565]

This is a great how-to video. Clear, concise, and well shot. Thank you very much.

[@chrisfix]

Aaron Ross Thanks Aaron! I try to make all of my how to videos clear and concise so you can learn how to fix your car yourself, save money, and feel that amazing feeling that you get when you fix the problem yourself!

[@FnBrClips942]

@@chrisfix I like your videos

[@mrfixit007]

Very good video. Good explanation and great camera work. Thanks

[@DavidJohnson-lx7qr]

Great video and may come in handy should I have to access the inside of my 2014 RAV. But if the door lock actuator rod popped out once, isn't there a good chance it will do it again, unless you do something to secure it more permanently in the plastic clip?

[@fatalstreet1650]

Ihml...I looked all over for a video and of course from Google to Chris lol awesome, I'm so happy to see how far you've gone. Thx bud

[@vicentetorres1880]

I have a RAV4 2005 from NEW so this video is very helpfull to me. Thank you chris

[@heavenlydemon4k]

hey man 8 years later still useful, cheers.

[@tonytube27]

Watched the video after I got stuck removing the panel from the sides and learned to remove the piece covering the two screws and voila!Saved the day!!

[@chrisfix]

+tonytube27 Awesome! I am glad the video was helpful!

[@bakedbean1053]

Wasn’t gonna attempt taking door panel off my rav4 till looked at your vid ... omg was a doddle after watching it .. took 2 minutes .. thank u

[@stevebryce54]

Better than good. Thank you. I was about to order a new lock unit. I had no idea that there was linkage which could disconnect and create a problem

[@chrisfix]

I'm glad the video was helpful!

[@richardsth1]

Excellent work. I needed this as I had to replace the wing mirror. The two long screws in the door handle had me stumped for a long time.

[@PrinceArt77]

hey dude...i don't have that same problem yet with my car but the way i saw your video....it was very informative and really...really easy to understand from start to finish. it's really helpful specially for somebody like me who doesn't have any clue whatsoever in fixing things in a car. thanks a lot dude....did my subscription already....really nice video.

[@chrisfix]

PrinceArt77 Thanks a lot for the feedback man! I really appreciate it! Now that you are subbed (thanks) I am sure you will learn a lot about fixing cars and how they work!

[@briancolety3327]

Great video. Super helpful and I used it to replace a broken side mirror on a 2001 RAV4. Thank you!!

[@sorinnsk2575]

maybe the best DIY I 've seen so far. Congrats ! Many thanks! This helped me big time! Regards !

[@ruliz21ify]

ChrisFix I never thought of using electrical tape on a screwdriver when working on the interior. Thanks for the tip! Good job.

[@chrisfix]

Thanks Raul. I am glad you learned something new! I love hearing that!

[@tjscuroko2701]

thanks man. I'm going to change my speakers soon on my 2003. thanks for the tips in putting tape on the screwdriver and the clipmremover. I don't care if I scratch my car but I'm swapping out my dad's speakers in his car for father's day and I really want to avoid damage removing the door panel.

[@zx8401ztv]

Bloody smashing video :-)) Loved the red dot locators, extra work at the editor stage but very clever :-) Thats a nice vehicle, i can see why you were being carefull with the soft coated tools method, the pro tool looks nice but i dont think many people would have such a thing, but it would be worth buying one for such a nice car. A wallpaper scraper or putty knife may be what people might have :-) I see a extra fix for your car, where that vertical rod clips into the plastic, fit a single cable tie around the plastic form to stop the rod ever popping out again :-))

[@chrisfix]

zx8401ztv Thanks bud. I am trying to up my game lol. I had to think of the dialog and stuff before the video to show that, but I am glad it was worth the effort! I normally dont use specialized tools but I really hate breaking the panel clips, especially the specialized ones which are a dollar a piece. So a $6 panel clip pliers is worth it for me (compared to the screw driver or puddy knife idea). I did mention you can use a screw driver, but I was not taking the chances lol. The zip tie thing is a great idea! I should have thought of that!!!

[@zx8401ztv]

ChrisFix Chris, its allways easy for someone on the outside of a job/situation to see things, i sometimes come up with A usefull idea, i did say "A" lol :-)) You had too much to think about, but your production is very professional, its to the point and easy to for anyone to watch and understand so they can do it to there vehicle :-)) ill shut up now, i dont want your head to get too big ha ha :)

[@jomo5529]

Great job in showing us!

[@thegrumpyraccoon4832]

You did this alot more gracefully than I did lol

[@MrJimbolinho]

Great video!! About to replace front speakers and this helps alot.

[@chrisfix]

I'm glad the videos helped out a lot!

[@frankygs1]

Well done!!I have a question do you have a video for replace a power door lock actuator,thanks for your help

[@TechWithVille]

Thank you so much! This helped me out a lot when I replaced a sideview mirror and repaired dents on my RAV4 II 2003.

[@FINDROBLOX]

Thank you my window came off track and i did not want to mess anything up like wires and stuff so thsnk god i found this

[@juliowong]

Thanks a lot for sharing that video, Chris I am a proud owner of a RAV4 2004, but now I have a couple of situations here. 1st... my 2 rear power windows are not moving at all. 2nd... my daughter was playing with the car keys and locking/unlocking the door, several times, and I noticed that the front passenger door was not engaging any more after she pressed the button, now I am afraid of locking the car remotely when going somewhere, I don't know if it locks for sure. I am planning on using your video and check connections / mechanisms. Any ideas?

[@WhatWouldRudyEat]

Thanks! Saved me a couple Hundred bucks.

[@chrisfix]

WhatWouldRudyEat Awesome! That is why I make these videos! I love hearing this! Definitely consider subscribing! New automotive "how to" videos every Thursday and most Mondays!

[@Abdullah..S]

ChrisFix The old days

[@oljobo]

Fabulous video ‼️😃

[@danmorgoshi7598]

.... You're THE BEST Chris .. Thank you .. !! ✌

[@romulonottaro477]

Excellent, the best teacher

[@PokokCeriBengkel]

tq boss, sudah pandai bukak door trim acr30

[@iwashungry]

Dude thanks, this is what I needed to fix my nonfunctional passenger side lock mechanism

[@chrisfix]

iwashungry Awesome! Glad the video was helpful! Definitely consider subscribing. New automotive "how to" videos every Thursday and most Mondays!

[@joe8882-c9f]

Thanks dude. Helped a lot 👍👍👍

[@pete9b]

Very informative video. Thanks.

[@gdawwg1125]

thanks ChrisFix. this helped me

[@chuenengyang3685]

Thank you for making the instruction.

[@donperera687]

Thank you so much for the great video, very nicely explained. Very clever work.

[@chrisfix]

Glad the video was helpful

[@sachakansky7899]

Great video , pretty much spot on for a 2000 Rav4 aswell

[@patrolpilot3756]

dealer wanted $234 for glass and another $200 for installation. awesome video.

[@bassamnawaz1185]

Great work Chris.

[@chrisfix]

+Bassam Nawaz Thanks!

[@scappellos]

really thank you! with this video I saved some money!

[@chrisfix]

+Samuele Cappello Awesome! Glad the video was helpful!

[@VinnyjojoFish]

Extremely well made and helpful video. Thank you

[@cozmecblast158]

Can you do a video of fixing your rear view mirror control? My driver side mirror control doesn’t work!:(

[@sa-bt5iq]

Thanks. Excellent video and description!

[@valenimi1108]

j Just saved me a lot of time and money, Mr. Fixx. thank you very much.

[@andrzejturczyn654]

Thanks, it was very helpful.

[@mikemiller1878]

Great video. Just what I needed.

[@opsdaddy]

Terrific, informative video. Helped me immensely! Thanks so much!

[@eduardouresticharre]

Thanks for your videos!! Regards from Mexico.

[@chrisfix]

Eduardo Uresti No problem! Thanks for the shout out from Mexico!

[@adz2132]

Thanks mate. Super easy. Was replacing a side mirror ;)

[@johnjude2685]

Super video,A real pleasure viewing Thanks Sir

[@DrZipZwan]

Very good tuto! I got a close problem with my Rav 2005. Lock/Unlock is working ok, but only for 3 doors, but for main driver door, I have to unlock it with the key, it is not responding from the remote or the central lock/unlock button, as 3 others doors. What do you think?? each door got that motor mecanism think or is it 1 motor for the 4 doors.

[@xcmskim4]

Had the same exact problem on my 2012 toyota highlander. Door wouldnt open with key. Thank you!

[@RushWorkingMan]

Thank you, saved me a lot of time...

[@leordo11]

Wow nice I have a 2011 rav4 and is the seme panel just looks different thanks for the video

[@chrisfix]

dany ordonez Great! Glad the video is helpful!

[@davec6462]

Thanks Chris - very helpful!

[@recklesslyarrogant7242]

Great video. Door panels freak me out or any plastic piece on a car interior. How do you repair scratched or scuffed interior panels and trim ?

[@chrisfix]

Recklessly Arrogant Dont be too freaked out. If you take your time you will be good to go! To remove any scratches you can use some 600 grit sandpaper depending on the texture of the plastic piece. If it is smooth, dont do sand it. If it is textured you can smooth the scratch out.

[@salvadorplascencia5569]

awesome video very helpful thanks for all this tips.

[@rodrigoblanquet9447]

Love your channel subscribing

[@a.morahly369]

Hi Chris can you please make a videos of how to fix a power door lock

[@famzig1]

You have a video on rear passenger door panel removal?

[@EmilioCesarTejada]

very useful explanation. Thanks

[@justynawilkus1861]

You saved my ass, thank you ❤️

[@ohEntree]

y am I even watching this video I work for safelite I take door panels off daily lol good vid tho I always watch ur videos 😆

[@RWagle]

Worked like a charm thank u so much!!!!

[@maiyah81]

the issue you experienced with unlocking the door, were you able to rotate the key in the lock? when i put my key in the lock, i cannot rotate it. i want sure if this fix would work for me.

[@camryle5590]

Thanks for sharing these informations

[@chrisfix]

No problem! I love helping people fix their cars!

[@tucsongirl4082]

Helpful video. I have another situation and that is the automatic door lock doesnt work on my 2002 Rav 4. I am getting an actuator and may need another video on how to install. Also, my door will not stay open, do you have a video or fix for that- looks like a little rubber piece. If you can help with that it would be a miracle.

[@chrisfix]

Loti Gest I do not have a video on the actuator but it is straight forward. Take some pics of the old one and replace it. Good luck!

[@fernandotapia6279]

Muy buen video , gracias 😉

[@roundingcorners]

panel clip pliers are the business

[@camillepowell3250]

So, I think I have the same problem, was your door lock not turning all the way and just getting like jammed and is what you did the fix for that? or was it turning all the way and just not unlocking?

[@rendarsmith]

Great video! I'm having a similar problem on a 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse. Would you be able to do a video on how to remove the panel on one of those?

[@chrisfix]

+rendarsmith I dont have a Mitsubish Eclipse to work on but if I get one, I will make a video.

[@rendarsmith]

ChrisFix Thanks. Appreciate it. I think the problem is the locking relay

[@martborbon7642]

Thank you very much my friend

[@spencerwalker9231]

Hey Chris. My motor in my rear window on my 2007 Honda Accord has gone up and I can't get my window up. Could you make a video on how to get the window up?

[@sgian]

Very, very good and timely, finding exactly what I needed as I was wondering how to open the panel with the least possible damages. Thank you ChrisFix for sharing it. -- Now I am able to go for the 2nd step... -- My driver's power window (Toyota RAV4 2004) has a weird behavior: It opens normally but if I try to close it within just a few minutes after opening, it will only close partially and stop. I then have to wait a few minutes more and try again, then it will close completely. Sometimes it gets really stubborn and makes me wait like 4-5 min to close completely again. It looks like some faulty electronic component but I can't tell yet. I will try and investigate (now that I can open it [lol] ) but in the meantime maybe anyone would have some hint... ? Thanks again Chris and anyone else who may help. Regards from Brazil.

[@chrisfix]

sgian Awesome! Glad the video was helpful! Is the door jam gap the same size all the way around the door? Does the door close evenly?

[@sgian]

ChrisFix Chris, I am not sure I get it... it is not the door...the door is working fine... I refer to the driver power window. When I try to close it soon after opening, it usually goes up but stops in the middle... then I have to wait a few minutes, try again and it closes. Sometimes I have to try a few times until it completes. Once in a while when I try to close it, it goes up almost all the way but backs down to the middle and stops... thanks again!

[@chrisfix]

sgian The window might be off the track or the connection to the window motor might be loose or going bad or the motor itself is going bad. That is why sometimes it works and sometimes it doesnt.

[@sgian]

ChrisFix Thanks again Chris, I'm going to check those parts. After learning on your video how to open the door panel, I also got a detailed RAV4 service manual (including power window troubleshooting) on a RAV4 owners website. Thanks & Regards.

[@chrisfix]

sgian Nice! Good luck!

[@alcatron1]

thanks you save me money and time

[@chrisfix]

+alcatron1 no problem! That's what my videos are all about!

[@GuitarLucius]

Great video

[@Nitpad123321]

Chris can u make s video on how to fix a power windows when not working

[@Desertduleler_88]

Great video, informative.

[@mattbono2815]

Did the remote work to unlock the door? Was it just the key in the door that didn't work?

[@eazy69ful]

Do you have a video on running the power wire thru firewall on a 03 Toyota rav4

[@jeremieannechrystelle5436]

Merci beaucoup. Ça m'a aidé.

[@evargas6781]

nice.. thanks for posting this video!!

[@chrisfix]

+Emilio Vargas No problem!

[@-chuy]

thanks! it helped so much!

[@alexr.duarte3670]

You said it was not unscrewed, how did you do it to get it out? As I saw, there was not any screw when you pulled out the door panel...

[@truepatriot8947]

Hey ChrisFix... Not sure if you look at these old videos anymore. But I have a 2002 Rav4 where the power locks click and move some but they do not lock or unlock with the buttons. Any ideas? BTW love the vids. Thanks.

[@aydenchapline6485]

Ever end up figuring it out?

[@FracTaLLyTe]

Hi. Loved your video. I have a problem that the drivers side door doesn't respond to the key fob but it can be locked/unlocked by the key or the door switch itself. Does anyone have any ideas about whether thats an actuator issue or something else? Thanks

[@aydenchapline6485]

Did you ever end up figuring it out? I'm having the same issue

[@tompoh2145]

Great video, as usual, Chris. My Rav rear driver side door can't be controlled like the other 3 doors, with the key or control pad on the driver's door. Could it be the actuator's fault, cuz wiring seems fine.

[@chrisfix]

Tom Poh Thanks Tom. I would think that is the actuator's fault. Do you hear the motor moving in the door when you press the lock or unlock button? Does the key turn or does it feel stuck?

[@tompoh2145]

ChrisFix Thanks for the response, Chris. No sound at all.

[@chrisfix]

Yea, the motor is probably shot that moves the wire that moves the lock.

[@Hopeandseekfind]

Excellent video! One question: My rear door doesn't open either unless I use the side door switch. The key does not open the rear door, just like the driver side door. My car is a 2005 Rav4. If I follow your demo and fix the driver side door, will that fix the rear door too or do I have to perform the same procedure for the back door? Thank you!

[@chrisfix]

HopeSeekandFind That should fix the rear door as well!

[@Hopeandseekfind]

Thank you!

[@chrisfix]

HopeSeekandFind Keep me posted!

[@aydenchapline6485]

What ended up happening?

[@62rnash]

Very good video how to! #1

[@chrisfix]

randy n Thanks! Glad the video was helpful! New automotive 'how to' videos every Thursday and most Mondays!