Paul's Travel Pictures

Ford Escape Door Panel Removal Guide
How to remove the interior door panels of a 2nd generation 2008-2012 Ford Escape with picture illustrated steps.

Main Menu            Home           Digital Cameras

Misc. Pictures            Articles            My Blog

Ford-Escape-Interior-Door-Panel-Removal-Guide-001
2011 Ford Escape Door Panel
Ford-Escape-Interior-Door-Panel-Removal-Guide-002
Remove Upper Edge Screw
Ford-Escape-Interior-Door-Panel-Removal-Guide-003
Lower Outer Edge Screw
This automotive "how-to" guide was specifically written to assist owners of the second generation (2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, and 2012) Ford Escape SUV in removing the interior door panels in order to upgrade the OEM speaker, add soundproofing material, fix a broken lock or switch, or replace the power window motor.

Owners of other Ford, Lincoln, Mercury or related Mazda vehicles such as the Fiesta, Focus, Fusion, Taurus, Mustang, Edge, Explorer, C-Max, Expedition, F-150, E-150, E-350 Wagon, Flex, Transit Connect, MKZ, MKX, MKS, MKT, Milan, Grand Marquis, Mariner, Mountaineer, Navigator, and Mazda Tribute may also find these DIY instructions to be helpful.

The tools needed to take off the door panel include a Phillips head screwdriver, a small flathead screwdriver, a Torx T-30 "star" bit screwdriver, and a standard flathead screwdriver or trim panel removal tool.



 
Ford-Escape-Interior-Door-Panel-Removal-Guide-004
Remove Inner Edge Screw
Ford-Escape-Interior-Door-Panel-Removal-Guide-005
Pry Out Door Pull Trim
Ford-Escape-Interior-Door-Panel-Removal-Guide-006
Remove Door Pull Screw
The first step is to remove the two Phillips head screws on the outer edge of the panel. There is one at the top and another at the bottom of the outer edge.

Then move to the bottom of the inner edge of the door panel and remove the third Phillips head screwdriver.

Pry out the trim piece at the bottom of the door pull well on the arm rest with the small flathead screwdriver.

Remove the fourth Phillips head screw in the door pull. Set the four screws aside in a safe place.

Ford-Escape-Interior-Door-Panel-Removal-Guide-007
Pry Out Door Handle Trim
Ford-Escape-Interior-Door-Panel-Removal-Guide-008
Trim Panel Piece Removed
Ford-Escape-Interior-Door-Panel-Removal-Guide-009
Door Handle T30 Screw
The final screw that needs to be removed is hidden by a rectangular trim panel behind the door opener handle.

Gently pry out the trim piece with the small flathead screwdriver.

Remove the screw with a Torx T-30 star bit screwdriver.

Ford-Escape-Interior-Door-Panel-Removal-Guide-010
Remove Torx T30 Screw
Ford-Escape-Interior-Door-Panel-Removal-Guide-011
4 Phillips Screw & 1 Torx
Ford-Escape-Interior-Door-Panel-Removal-Guide-012
Pry Off Sail Panel
Set aside the four Phillips head screws, the one Torx T-30 screw, and the two trim panels in a safe place.

The last step before you can remove the door panel is to pry off the sail or "tweeter" panel located at the top front corner of the panel.

Either pull it off with your hand or gently pry it off with a small flathead screwdriver.

Ford-Escape-Interior-Door-Panel-Removal-Guide-013
Sail Trim Panel Removed
Ford-Escape-Interior-Door-Panel-Removal-Guide-014
Gently Pry Off Lower Panel
Ford-Escape-Interior-Door-Panel-Removal-Guide-015
Pull Out Plastic Pop Rivets
Move to the bottom edge of the door panel and gently pry it away from the metal door frame with either a flathead screwdriver or a trim panel tool.

To avoid scratching the painted surfaces, cover the blade of the screwdriver with a soft thin cloth.

Pull the door panel away from the frame all along the two sides and the bottom edge to pop out the plastic friction fasteners.

Ford-Escape-Interior-Door-Panel-Removal-Guide-016
Pull All Around Panel
Ford-Escape-Interior-Door-Panel-Removal-Guide-017
Lift Panel Up & Off Frame
Ford-Escape-Interior-Door-Panel-Removal-Guide-018
Door Opener Mechanism
Lift the door panel up and off the door frame.
Ford-Escape-Interior-Door-Panel-Removal-Guide-019
Pop Out White Plastic Collar
Ford-Escape-Interior-Door-Panel-Removal-Guide-020
Swing Out - Remove Metal Bar
Ford-Escape-Interior-Door-Panel-Removal-Guide-021
Disconnect Door Lock Plug
To disconnect the door opener cable, first pop the white plastic collar near the end of the cable out of its sleeve.

Then swing the cable forward and lift the metal bar at the end of the cable out the socket.



 

Ford-Escape-Interior-Door-Panel-Removal-Guide-022
Unplug Window Switch Power
Ford-Escape-Interior-Door-Panel-Removal-Guide-023
Power Connectors Removed
Ford-Escape-Interior-Door-Panel-Removal-Guide-024
Set Aside Door Panel
Press the release tab on the black plastic door lock switch plug and slide it straight out of the socket.

Press the release tab on the light grey plastic power window switch plug and slide it straight out.

Pull the door panel away from the door frame and set it aside in a safe place.

Ford-Escape-Interior-Door-Panel-Removal-Guide-025
Inner Metal Door Frame
Ford-Escape-Interior-Door-Panel-Removal-Guide-026
6mm Socket For Speaker
Ford-Escape-Interior-Door-Panel-Removal-Guide-027
Remove Speaker Screws
If you'd like to remove the OEM speaker and install an upgraded aftermarket unit, you'll need a 6mm socket with a ratcheting wrench.
Ford-Escape-Interior-Door-Panel-Removal-Guide-028
Four 6mm Speaker Screws
Ford-Escape-Interior-Door-Panel-Removal-Guide-029
Pull Off OEM Door Speaker
Ford-Escape-Interior-Door-Panel-Removal-Guide-030
Press Tab - Unplug Speaker
Remove the four 6mm screws around the door speaker and carefully pull it out of the door frame.

Press the release tab on the speaker's power connector and slide it straight out of the socket.

According to Crutchfield, the front and rear door speakers of a 2008-2012 Ford Escape can be replaced with a 5 1/4" (5.25"), 6"x8" or 5"x7" unit.

I'd recommend ordering aftermarket speakers from Crutchfield since they usually include any brackets or power plug adapters you may need to install the new speakers.

If you'd like to reduce road noise and improve the sound quality from your new speakers, apply Dynamat Sound Deadener to the metal door frame. It will help stop vibrations and rattles when you crank up the volume.

Ford-Escape-Interior-Door-Panel-Removal-Guide-031
Install 5.25", 6x8 or 5x7
Ford-Escape-Interior-Door-Panel-Removal-Guide-032
Replace Cable Metal Bar End
Ford-Escape-Interior-Door-Panel-Removal-Guide-033
Pop In Plastic Collar
To re-install the door panel, first hold it near the door frame and re-insert the metal bar at the end of the door opener cable.

Then swing the cable towards the door panel and snap the white plastic collar in to its sleeve.

Ford-Escape-Interior-Door-Panel-Removal-Guide-034
Re-Insert Door Lock Plug
Ford-Escape-Interior-Door-Panel-Removal-Guide-035
Push In Window Switch Plug
Ford-Escape-Interior-Door-Panel-Removal-Guide-036
Insert Door Lock Stalk
Push the connectors for the door lock switch and window switch straight in to their sockets until they click in to place.

Guide the black door lock stalk in to its hole at the top edge of the door panel.

Ford-Escape-Interior-Door-Panel-Removal-Guide-037
Line Up Friction Fasteners
Ford-Escape-Interior-Door-Panel-Removal-Guide-038
Tap Edges of Door Panel
Ford-Escape-Interior-Door-Panel-Removal-Guide-039
Tighten Torx T-30 Screw
Line up the turquoise colored friction fasteners on the back side of the panel with their corresponding holes on the metal door frame.

Push firmly on the door panel at the bottom and each side to secure the friction fasteners in place.

Insert the large Torx T-30 screw in to the hole behind the door opener handle and tighten it with the star bit screwdriver.

Ford-Escape-Interior-Door-Panel-Removal-Guide-040
Snap In Door Handle Trim
Ford-Escape-Interior-Door-Panel-Removal-Guide-041
Door Opener Handle
Ford-Escape-Interior-Door-Panel-Removal-Guide-042
Lower Inner Edge Screw
Pop the rectangular plastic trim piece back in place behind the door opener handle.

Replace the Phillips head screw at the bottom of the panel's inner edge.

Ford-Escape-Interior-Door-Panel-Removal-Guide-043
Insert Arm Rest Screw
Ford-Escape-Interior-Door-Panel-Removal-Guide-044
Re-Insert Screw Cover Panel
Ford-Escape-Interior-Door-Panel-Removal-Guide-045
Lower Outer Edge Screw
Replace the Phillips head screw at the bottom of the door pull well in the arm rest. Lower the black rectangular screw cover down into the door pull.

Tighten the Phillips head screw at the lower outer edge of the door panel.

Ford-Escape-Interior-Door-Panel-Removal-Guide-046
Upper Outer Edge Screw
Ford-Escape-Interior-Door-Panel-Removal-Guide-047
Replace Sail Panel
Ford-Escape-Interior-Door-Panel-Removal-Guide-048
Front Door Panel Replaced
Replace the Phillips head screw at the upper part of the outer edge.

Push the sail panel back in place at the top front corner of the door panel.

Check that the door opener handle, power door lock switch and power window switch still work properly.

For more, please check out my other Ford Escape Repair & Maintenance Guides.
 

If you found this guide to be helpful, please consider making a small donation by clicking on the PayPal.com "Donate" button located to the right of this paragraph. Thank you!
(Note: I am not a registered charity. Donations are not tax deductible.)

Main Menu       Home       Digital Cameras

Misc. Pictures       Articles       My Blog

 

Copyright 2024 © PaulsTravelPictures.com
 All Rights Reserved ®

Paul's Travel Pictures is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

Privacy Policy     About Paul & Author Contact Info