The 2001 Dodge Stratus model comes in either a two door or four door model and all the doors have door panels installed on them. Behind the plastic door panel on this car are the wires that control the windows and the locks as well as the window motor. When the locks and windows stop working, you will need to remove the door panel to access the components and repair them.
Step one: Removing the mounting bolts
Open the front driver side door and look around the edge of the door frame for the mounting screws. Locate all seven of the mounting screws. Remove the screws using a Phillips head screwdriver. Place all seven mounting screws in a clean dry place until later installation.
Tip: The mounting screws are all in clear view along the edge of the door frame once the door has been opened. The mounting screw placement will be the same on all the doors.
Step Two: Removing the door panel
Pull the door panel away from the frame starting from the top of the door frame and working your way to the bottom. The panel will come right off the door until you come to the plastic retainer pin along the door frame.
Tip: There are four plastic retainer pins that help secure the panel to the door frame. These just pop out when you pull on them hard enough.
Step Three: Disconnecting the wires
Pull the wires from the lock, window switches and door speaker. The wire harness is in clear view on the inside of the door panel on each component. This will free the door panel and allow you to remove it from the door frame.
Tip: The wires are connected to each connector by a metal harness, and they just pull off.
Step Four: Removing the door panel
Pull the door panel off of the door frame slowly. Make sure that you have disconnected all the wire properly so that you don't damage any of the components. Store the door panel in a place that is free of debris and that is dry to ensure that safety of the door panel.
Tip: To remove the other door panels will be the same process. To install the door panels, just complete these step the opposite way.
The repairs needed to these components will determine the type of tools needed. You can buy the replacement parts and the tools need to make the repairs at an auto parts store or on-line. This is a basic job that will take you less than five minutes to complete.
Source:
- 2001 Repair Manual; Hayens; 2002
Robert Good - Robert is an avid traveler and spends much of his time on the road looking for new things to write about.
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