Volkswagen Jetta Driver's Door Panel How To Remove 99 to 05

Learn how to take your door panel off the right way! You might need to install speakers, fix an inner or outer door handle, replace the power window motor or power door lock. If you need to do one of these things on a MKIV Jetta (1999 to 2005) than we've created this video for you. As usual Mark has viewed the existing videos and made an improved version for the "How To DIY" group.

[@lauracarnes6091]

I'm a lady who is not 100% mechanically awesome, but these instructions were simple enough that I successfully swapped out my broken mirror with a junkyard one. You saved me the 100 bucks the shop wanted to charge me for the swap. Thank you so much :)

[@carquestions]

Glad to be of service - no problem

[@TMPJR]

Why would anyone "Thumbs Down" this video? Its Perfect.

[@tandrewl1]

A wolkswagen dealer or garage I bet. They don't like information that would takes custom away from them :)

[@mariafio1998]

As woman trying to figure out everything on my own I would say I love love love you because this video helps me out a lot..

[@Meantime5]

Excellent video, step by step format is clear and skipping the actual motions makes the video short and sweet. Keep them coming!

[@MaxNY21]

My interior door handle is messed up (doesn't goes back in place) and even if it wasn't a big problem, it was bothering me a bit. I tried so many time to remove it and never been able to. The reason is I never thought of these three screws hidden behind the windows control. The thing is I was only able to find tutorials with manual windows and the panel is a bit different. And here I found you video. Lots of details and even without removing it yet I think now I know what the problem might be. Thank you Mark you made my day!

[@MaxNY21]

Done! Like on your video, the clip at the back of the handle broke. A zip tie and finished under 20 minutes. Thanks again!

[@carquestions]

Max Legain No problem - glad to be of service

[@alphaangeldragon4772]

Next time try using plastic interior tools reduces the risk of scratching by a whole lot!!!! Great video mine are falling off and this helps a lot knowing what kind of screws to use to make it nice again

[@jgnu2007]

I really appreciate the quick response. Unfortunately this seems like a bit of work....I guess I'll have to clear a day next weekend and a trip to Home Depot to get some matching rivets. Thanks again!

[@michelpapineau8868]

Heheheh...at 3:12... 'and pull like a bugger!' Great video! Going in the garage now to pop the panel open to repair the window regulator. Thanks for the DIY!

[@chezza720]

Just used your video to change the master window switch. Worked perfectly and saved me so much money. Thanks so much for posting

[@VirtualSteveMusic]

Awesome video! I bought a 2001 Golf a couple weeks ago, and pretty much the first thing I did was mistake the hatch release button as a push button and pushed it right into the door! But thanks to this video it took probably under 15 minutes to get it back in place

[@carquestions]

If you keep fixing your own problems you'll do well in life most certainly

[@nikocasey4012]

Steve Spillane I did the same thing when I bought mine but with the gas lid button 😂😭

[@chess2u]

Thanks to this video I could replace the driver side mirror; that I was needed to remove the door panel first to get to the mirror on my VW Jetta 2003

[@Bluegrassriver8]

The Torx screwdriver is also generically called a Star Bit screwdriver. Always buy higher quality like the German made Wiha (Vee-ha) Tools for this set. The Chinese ones are often poorly made and don't fit well. Why do you think they are so cheap?

[@ZXY86]

So excited I have to change my switches so I only have to do two steps!! Thank you so much. You save me hundreds

[@carquestions]

Anytime N1B - cheers from Canada!

[@ke6bnl]

great video, my gas latch just fell in the door panel and your vid helped me resolve the problem in a couple of minutes. thanks

[@carquestions]

+Ed Ginsberg Glad it worked out for you

[@lucioemapetralia5058]

same me problem open trunk

[@docmurrllc61]

ONE OF THE BEST DIY VIDEOS I HAVE SEEN TO DATE! Thank you!

[@carquestions]

If you replaced the door latch with a used one that could be the problem - if you used a new one I'd suggest adjusting the door latch and striker plate on the door pillar to see if you can get the lights to stay off.

[@mvfs]

Wish I watched this earlier.. I was cleaning the interior of my car and wanted to really get in between the handle and the window buttons, so I just assumed the panel was clipped in lightly. Well, I didn't pop the inner handle panel off first, and just tore the whole thing up from the window button side. Ended up breaking a few clips, and the black handle piece. Not that big a deal, it still holds nicely, and I guess now, since the inner handle panel comes off with a bit of a push, I can hide stuff in it haha.

[@carquestions]

Somethings don't always go as planned - but doing it yourself and trying counts for a lot - plenty of mechanics have done the same thing

[@carquestions]

Yes you need to take the driver's door panel off to replace the fuel door swirch - but first I'd check fuses and see if the latch isn't binding or damaged first.

[@carquestions]

You may need a special tool to get the window crank off - usually available at a parts store - other than that it should be fairly similiar - don't know for sure since I havent done one

[@normtrott1188]

thanks saved me a lot of aggrivation norm

[@jefffox8665]

Great video. My window glass came unglued from the lift mechanism, an easy fix ....if you can get to it. So many of these job are just knowing where all the connections are. Good day. Eh Thanks from a fellow Canuck

[@damianstorey2932]

My passenger side window has fallen into the door. Can I remove the door panel to access the window? Thanks in advance. Very detailed and helpful video.

[@carquestions]

Yes you can - after detaching the window from its lower lifting fixture/frame it comes out through the top

[@Sanfrancisable]

Hello, the area around the handle, which is cover by either leather as per your video or just lining as in mine... can it be removed without having to remove the whole panel? The reason is that the lining in the door panel is coming out looking horrible and it needs to be replaced/glue back. I’m planning to do it myself, however when I went to the dealer to have an idea of what it would need to be done, they mention that the whole panel would have to be replaced. Please let me know!

Gracias. Me ayudó mucho tu video sigue subiendo mas de estos excelentes carros.

[@carquestions]

Anytime Jose - Cheers!

[@Sugarplumz0011]

I'm in the same boat as Sanfracisable, the fabric I have there just looks awful. There has to be a way the fabric area is attached to the door piece as a whole. Those three black screws perhaps? But I want to reuphoster the small fabric area of the door without purchasing a whole new door panel.

[@luigi880]

ok thanks, im going to check that first, greetings from tijuana, baja california, mexico :)

[@carquestions]

It isn't a screw at all its a rivet - so you need to get a drill bit a little larger than the hole in the middle - stick it in the hole and drill - it will likely stick to the drill bit at some point and you just pull it out - you'll need to put in a rivet or find a short sheet metal screw when replacing the speaker. Most manufacturers rivet various things since its fast and cheap

[@ottomated4473]

does the speaker grill come off without removing the door panel? or do you need to remove door panel to unscrew the grill from the door panel assembly? thanks and great videos btw!

[@Enoch8283]

This is easy to understand of the all out there

[@anthonystapleton4087]

Great job on the video!! Thank you so much.

[@carquestions]

Anytime Anthony - Cheers from Canada!

[@chrischesson793]

To remove the passenger side, just remove the torx screws and pop off panel, is that correct? Thanks!

[@JayZ04000718]

I need to replace my window regulator on my 01 VW Jetta V6 will this video help me get through the process? And my door cover is messed up do you know where I could get a new one for both the driver side and passenger side?

[@jgnu2007]

Following up on the speaker question....i popped off the door panel and can't figure out the 'screw' that holds the speaker in. Its a little larger than a flat/philips head but just has a small round hole. does this mean i need to take off the bolts for the secondary (?) door panel and detach it from the back side? Or can you replace with a special type of screwdriver or some other way with just the panel you show being taken off (01 Jetta). Cheers!

[@japphaynesiv6760]

I'm having some issues putting the top of the panel back onto the door. I see the white plastic clips but how to they exactly fit into the door? I tried to use my other doors as reference but its difficult to see

[@carquestions]

The key will work without the remote - the reason the alarm light might not be coming on all the time is the one or more of the doors isn't properly locked - if all locks are not properly pushed down the alarm and light wont work

[@kakoth]

Helped me get into my car door to replace the buttons. cheers!

[@carquestions]

Glad to help

[@themachine8009]

Samaec my lock and unlock button doesn’t work. Do I need to buy the whole thing or can I just buy the button? Thanks in advance

[@seankelly5469]

Hey, thanks so much for sharing. Have to replace the window controlls and you save me from having to replace the trim aswell!

[@carquestions]

No problem - anytime

[@carquestions]

There is a slight difference - you have to pry off the cover on the door handle first to get to the screws for the door handle

[@carquestions]

The alarm wont work if the doors aren't locked so try locking all the doors from the inside by hand then get out and lock the driver's door with the key - that might alarm it - also try using the remote even though the door is locked let me know if t works

[@shakiylac]

Yeah this video was really great, in fact it just might be the best V-dub video i've seen on youtube. Thanks bud!

[@YiannisPagonis]

Hi.Please tell me why you didn't show us how to can disconnect the electric connectors and other things on the door panel?

[@carquestions]

+Yiannis Pagonis I did - watch the video again

[@TheRANGER1978]

Carquestions... Replacing my wife's passenger side door latch. HUD and door light are staying on most of the time, unless door is aggressively slammed, yet eventually the lights will turn back on. Need help with removal and installation of new part. I have the part in hand as well. I'm sure I could figure it out but an all day project is not worth it to me.

[@jeffreysegal2065]

I didn't see the reason to remove the pad in the door pull. It's not connected to anything else, is it?

[@willbarrett3513]

Exaclty what I needed, thank you! I just blew a speaker a few days ago

[@carquestions]

Your welcome

[@jkjerome1]

Great video. Good clear thorough instructions Sir. Thank you.

[@cristianoronaldo1770]

how do u get the plastic part that goes into the whole for the lock on the top part of the door to go back in the hole?

[@kennethmidas2203]

Concise and easy to follow. Thanks

[@carquestions]

Anytime Ken - cheers from Canada

[@TheOnlyAnji]

Thanks for the video I am reinstall the factory speakers back into a Jetta I just purchased#

[@redrelle1]

HEY CAR QUESTIONS GUY, I have an 206 VW jetta 2.5 130k and i have a blown head gasket AND A FAILING transmission. So many issues im at my wits end! Should I get these issues fixed or just try and trade this car in??

[@jrom750]

best DIY video ever!

[@carquestions]

+jrom750 Thank you

[@amirbolic]

Can you help me remove the door panel on a 2000 jetta with crank windows? the door panel seems to be different than the video above.

[@mr88jmr88]

What if you have manual windows? My door handle is totally different than this. Its a 99 Jetta. The rest seems to be the same. Thanks

[@3e3op88]

Great video, Mark! I have a 2004 Jetta and my Monsoon stereo stopped working. It's frozen on one station, but there is no sound. The eject buttons, display, and the volume indicator work, but the CD Player and the other radio tuner buttons don't respond. In a forum, I read that someone fixed this problem by removing the driver-side door panel and pulling out fuse 42 for 30 secs and then reinstalling. This puts the radio in "safe" mode, which can then be reset. Any thoughts?

[@babag1329]

Ty so much for the video god bless you

[@carquestions]

You as well

[@goodstashhkr3w]

hey mark, i have a mark4 gti, the door panel looks exactly the same. First I'm wondering if the same tools and method you used will work for me.Also,I am looking to replace the plastic piece that holds the actual door handle as well as window controls. is it easy to dis assemble the electronic window switches from the plastic after dis connecting wire? haha one more quesiton, I want to get the leather that surrounds the plastic re upholstered. is it possible to remove that section?

[@carquestions]

Yes you need to take the panel off to remove the speaker

[@chadrigby720]

Thanx a bunch! By the way with your help my 'project' with repainting my interior door panels is going GREAT!

[@jenncollier9391]

Thank you for this. Very informative and to the point. Nice work!

[@chadrigby720]

GREAT video! Would like to know if you can post a video with removing rear seats of a VW Jetta '03 model. I cant seem to find out how to remove them for minor cosmetic.

[@edaragon]

I lock all doors b4 and sometimes it turns on the flashing light is on an sometimes they don't . Plus I don't have the bottoms key (fob key) just a copy

[@cwuzii]

Great video! The Bora is a great car, or Bora the Explorer, as I like to call it haha.

[@carquestions]

+cwuzii Good to hear from our UK cousins

[@jach4179]

very good video ... it served me much

[@carquestions]

Chad "generally speaking" since I can't remember taking out an 03 rear seat - - if you see some bolts at or close to the bottom edge of the front of the seat cushion near the carpet then remove them - if no bolts take your palm and push hard on cushion towards the rear of the car - if that doesn't work, wedge open with your hands where the bottom of the seat back meets the rear of the seat cushion and look for screws/bolts

[@giovanni2000ism]

Thank u, but do u know if i can change only one button ir i need change all? Sorry for my english Greetings from México

[@TheOnlyAnji]

How do you get the door panel all the way off without breaking the plastic piece attached to the cable?

[@carquestions]

You take the door handle off by removing a screw or 2 that hold the door handle to the door panel from the inside of the panel.

[@nithichagas7333]

Hello, I like the video. It's helpful and easy to understand. I have a question regarding my 07 VW rabbit. The fabric lining on the door and the back seat panel starts to come off. Can I remove the lining panel without taking out the whole door panel apart or the door panel needs to be removed?

[@carquestions]

Nithi Nithikarnphisitha - No - the lining is bonded to the door panel - I'd just re-glue it without taking off the panel

[@nithichagas7333]

What route would I want to go if I want to replace the fabric?

[@carquestions]

Nithi Nithikarnphisitha You have a couple of options depending on your own talents. 1. take the panels off and take them to an automotive upholsterer. 2. Buy new or used panels and replace them -

[@nithichagas7333]

Thank you! Your advice isvery helpful and informative.

[@brandoneggeson9966]

Nithi Nithikarnphisitha i saw carbon fiber vinyl that i think im going to use a heat gun to put on mine.

[@cubby6708]

are you familiar with with "gluing" the upholstery back into place. my mkiv is losing its stickiness, and exposing the orange sticky insides. This is on the drive side arm wrest. Any DIY tips you can lend? ;) Thanks!

[@Theguywhostoleurfood]

Jacob Miranda You will have to redo the upholstery itself. and since its only one if you want it to match you will have to do all the door panels. material you can get at any store... and glue you can get at the material stores or even Lowes. Ive seen people just put super glue on it and let it soak through the falling material... its rigged but might fix your problem

[@cubby6708]

Theguywhostoleurfood I think ***** should do a segment because this is a problem for most 10 year old cloth interior MK's....

[@Myusernameistakenwtf]

If I want to reupholster my door panels how can I take the insert out?

[@luigi880]

i need help ! :) i have to take the door panel to change the fuel door switch?

[@simbarashezuva582]

Can you please do a video for the passenger ddoor as well?

[@carquestions]

Its the same and sorry I don't have the car any longer

[@carquestions]

VW are great forn the first 3 to 4 years then they start having electrical problems - so... it might be a good idea to trade it in since they do have a good resale price compared to others

[@alexbond8240]

I broke the little black plastic piece that goes inside the actual handle part... I bought a whole new replacement handle off ebay...but does it matter that the black bar is missing for when I put the new handle cover back on?

[@carquestions]

Look for it with a mirror in the very bottom of the door - all parts matter to some degree

[@mvfs]

Alex Bond Haha, I did the same thing. This is a result of not removing the inner handle panel first and THEN popping the arm panel out xD. It's fine if its missing, all it is, is a static support that further clicks into the pins. With it gone, the inner panel can come off, but its still pretty firmly placed in there. If you really want to have the inner handle panel stay there very firmly, all you have to do is put a bit of hot glue on any of the plastic pins, and stick the handle back into the outer arm panel again. This way, it won't want to come off without just as much force as it would need if it were clicked into the black panel, and the hot glue can just be peeled off / reapplied if you ever have to remove the panel again :)

[@ejrcardona]

useful video, that is exactly what I was looking for, it helped me with my jetta, thanks!

[@carquestions]

glad to help

[@davepearce3255]

Just did it ! works Ecelelante!!!!

[@carquestions]

Well done Dave - Cheers from Canada!

[@HimTimcom]

Thanks for an informative video. I put the info to use right away.

[@cybeer67]

Thanks for sharing !

[@carquestions]

Anytime Luis - Cheers from Canada!

[@landonwadley7630]

Thank you for the tutorial, how much coffee did you drink before making this video? Shaking like I do after a while you were showing tools 😂

[@carquestions]

The usual 5 cups a day

[@rpturbo]

So you never showed how to take the cable off, which is what I'm trying to figure out, without breaking it.

[@TraciaKurosawa]

If I want to change the upholstery of the door, do I have to take all of if out?

[@carquestions]

check with an upholstery guy but I've seen them go right on top of the original stuff

[@TraciaKurosawa]

Really? That's terrible! Alright, I'll check.

[@alexmusgrave7425]

do you have any other videos to show the steps for putting the window back on the driver side window motor? Thanks in advance

[@carquestions]

Sorry Alex I don't at this time

[@alexmusgrave7425]

I figured it out with some tinkering, thanks for the reply though I appreciate it.

[@simbad1966]

Thanks! this have been very useful for me!

[@carquestions]

Thanks for sharing

[@vitinhomocho]

Awesome Tutorial! Is there any way to remove the rear view mirror switch, without removing the door panel?

[@edaragon]

I just got a 99 vw jetta manual Windows , I don't know nothing about this cars, why the bottoms of all doors and trunk don't work there's no noise of clicking eather, Is it off or what's going on, I don't have the original fob key it's a regular key an when I lock my door my alarm doesn't turn on . Plz help

[@Dang12343]

is there anyway just to remove the leather part?

[@tfont6972]

Thanks, works for my 07 golf as well

[@carquestions]

Great Tyler

[@kpmane7625]

Please message me I'm wondering how to fix the lower panel on the door for the gas and truck buttons because my gas button got stuck on the in the plastic and the little lock to lock up the gas and the truck is now jammed and won't unlock

[@carquestions]

I'd need to see how or why the button got stuck - is it damaged? did water get in? - you can send me pics at [e-mail]

[@carquestions]

A little different - you pop off the part of the handle - 2 screws behind it

[@wylandoliver]

great clip, clear, neat, understandable ;) cheers

[@mariuscoiculescu2179]

carquestion i from romania europa and i have a volkswagen bora pls you can tell me what happend with my lamp on the dor not light up when open the dor ?

[@carquestions]

Are you also having power door lock problems also? if you are, the light switch and door lock are related problems - fix one and you fix the other

[@mariuscoiculescu2179]

do you have need a boy for help a assistent i like the mecanic hapy new year do you have a facebook or give me your skype email

[@Fausto27F]

Is it the same for 07 and up?

[@kenalexander3046]

Awesome! Thanks for this.

[@carquestions]

My pleasure! Ken - cheers from Canada

[@JackRabbit72380]

whats the name of that part where can i buy one? the cable peace?

[@carquestions]

Have to go to the VW dealer for that part - inside door latch control cable

[@ahmedga9683]

thanks man .

[@carquestions]

Anytime Ahmed -cheers!

[@carquestions]

Anything is possible - that being said this is specalty work - give it a try if your up to it otherwise find an auto upholstery guy - the switches should be screwed in or clipped in.

[@joshdj2]

Useful video thanks

[@carquestions]

Thanks for sharing Josh -hope it helps

[@bradinnes4407]

Nice video! Thanks!

[@carquestions]

No problem

[@faycelzoglami5330]

Thank your so much.

[@carquestions]

Anytime Faycel - Cheers from Canada!

[@Lansky73]

Great video and thanks for sharing. Do you know where i can purchase a 2003 Bora/Jetta V5 2,3 Auto Oil pan or Sump? I have searched Ebay and online and nothing.. Thanks in advance for your reply. P.s I watched this video because my front passenger window fell down into the door. I have some clips but im not to confident in doing this job myself. Cheers. Jake

[@carquestions]

Try ebay Euro - not going to be easy parts are rare

[@Lansky73]

thank you. :)

[@amaurygarcia5178]

*****

[@angelojose3546]

anyone can show mw how to exchange rafiator 2001 wv jetta...?..

[@jerdvr6]

Gracias de mucha ayuda, tu video 🤙🏼

[@carquestions]

Anytime Jose - Cheers from Canada!