Oops passenger rear door lock
 

A while back, the little screw on knobby thing for the door lock was laying on the floor. This is the passenger rear door. I thought that was odd, so I went to see what was up. It looked like it was improperly threaded when it was installed - or ond of the girls did it. Anywho, when I went to screw it back on, it wouldn't fit to my liking, and the lock rod fell down into the door panel. the lock still works, but you can't manually lock / unlock the door now, and the little knob is still in the door handle cup. How to fix?? I can do the work with no problem, but I'd like an idea of how to get the door panel off without ruining mounting tabs / trees and what I should be looking for. Also what tools, yadda yadda.

THX

I have never taken one of these door panels off, but most any door panel I have ever worked on has plastic clips that do get damaged when removing. They can sometimes be reused but the fit is not right and I always put new ones in if it was my own vehicle. Some people don't mind it being "not right". I am just not that way!!
As for tools, there are several door panel removal tools. Most parts places like Napa or Vatozove carry them and you may need to buy a few different styles. Even if you don't use one of them it is nice to just have for future vehicles or friends vehicles.
Just take it easy and slow. Look as far in as possible to see what is holding certain things on. Some screws may be hard to notice or even locate. NEVER just start pulling because you think it's just a clip when in fact it really is a screw and something breaks !! I won't tell you how I know that. [dummy]

When you do it, take pictures and post up here how it went.

HTH

Check your PM's, BMH.

The door panels are EASY to take off, I did them several times, installing new speakers, and sound deadener in my truck...

Phillips head screwdriver and a 10mm(I think) socket, remove the phillips head screw in the middle of the door panel, and the 10mm bolt holding the handle on, then slide the door panel up, and remove the electrical connector on the backside, and install in reverse, piece of cake.

For the rod, should be able to see it in the door panel(may have to peel back some of the protective plastic sheet, but it will go back down with the adhesive that holds it on, then just reinstall the panel...

TRIM PANEL
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the window crank, if equipped. (Fig.
10)
(2) Remove the interior handle. (Refer to 23 -
BODY/DOORS - REAR/INSIDE HANDLE ACTUATOR
- REMOVAL)
(3) Remove the screw near the inside handle. (Fig.
9)
CAUTION: Trim panel is attached to the door using
hooks molded into the panel. Do not pull the trim
panel straight off or damage to the panel and/or
power switch assembly may occur.
(4) Lift the trim panel up off the belt seal and
attachment hooks and separate the panel from the
door slightly.
(5) Disconnect the power window switch electrical
connector, if equipped, and remove the trim panel.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position the trim panel onto the lower hooks
and connect the power window switch electrical connector,
if equipped.
(2) Position the remaining trim panel attachment
hooks into the door panel and seat the trim panel
into the belt seal fully.
(3) Install the screw near the inside handle.
4) Install the interior handle. (Refer to
BODY/DOORS - REAR/INSIDE HANDLE ACTUATOR
- INSTALLATION)
5) Install the window crank, if equipped.
Fig. 10 WINDOW CRANK REMOVAL TOOL
WINDOW CRANK REMOVAL TOOL
WINDOW CRANK
- 34 DOORS - REAR
TRIM PANEL (Continued)

well that looks easy enough

thanks guys!