1. Locate the door panel screws and covers. There are two screws behind the door handle trim, one in the armrest, two on the side of the panel, and one in the bottom corner. The covers for these screws can be pried off with a flathead screwdriver.
2. Remove the door handle trim. Use a flathead screwdriver to pry up the trim around the door handle. There is a wire connected to the door lock and window switches behind the trim. Detach this wire by pressing the tab on the connector.
3. Remove the armrest. There is a screw located in the center console. Remove this screw and the armrest will easily slide off the door panel.
4. Remove the side cover panels. Use a flathead screwdriver to pry up the covers on the side of the door panel.
5. Remove the bottom corner screw. Use a Phillips head screwdriver to remove the screw in the bottom corner of the door panel.
6. Remove the window crank handle. If your Explorer has a manual window, use a flathead screwdriver to pry off the cover behind the window crank handle. Remove the screw behind the cover. Pull the window crank handle straight towards the floor of the car to remove it.
7. Pry up the door panel. Use a flathead screwdriver to pry up the door panel, starting from the top corner. There are clips that hold the panel in place. You will need to pry these clips apart to remove the panel.
8. Detach the wire connectors. There are several wire connectors that are connected to the door panel. Detach these connectors by pressing the tabs on the connectors.
9. Remove the door panel. Once all of the screws, covers, and wire connectors have been removed, the door panel can be lifted off the car.
