FIX: 99-03 door panel arm rest/pull handle

Okay so this is something that has bothered me since I got my truck.. I'm not really sure that its a common problem but on my 2000 and on my granddads 2002 the arm rest/pull handle on the door panels are coming apart..

Here's what I mean..



So today I decided to do something about it.. and since I couldn't find a write up I figured id make one for anyone else wanting to fix theirs..

First off you need to pull the door panel.. To do this start by pushing this piece up and pulling it out



After it comes out you will see a phillips head screw that needs to be removed



Next you need to lift the front of you switch panel up, once it pops out pull it toward the front of the truck to remove it.. Unplug the switches from the bottom and sit it aside..



Now remove the trim piece around the door handle.. I found it easiest to take a flat head screw driver and pop the top out then use the screw driver to pop the front off once you get it popped off pull it towards the front of the truck to remove it..



Now there should be one more screw that was behind the door handle trim..



Now pull the panel upward then out and it should come off easy (you may have to push your lock down to get the panel over it) Now you'll see the wire to the light is still holding the door panel.. Just grab the plug where it goes into the panel and twist it then pull out..



Now that the door panel is free flip it over and remove these 5 screws..



The arm rest should come off the panel



Now remove the screw and plastic plate from the bottom of the arm rest



So now I had to figure out how to glue this back down.. I dug around my house and found two options.. Super glue or Black adhesive silicone I didnt think the super glue would work to well so I went with the black silicone.. I ran a bead under the armrest where it was separating and pulled it back over the plastic the best I could.. I just used some scotch tape to hold it in position since it would be easy to remove and not leave any residue



After I let it sit for a few hours I removed the tape hoping the silicone would be strong enough to hold.. Luckily it was!!



Now put the plastic plate and screw back in to help hold it together..



To re install just do everything in reverse order

 

great write-up! all the instructions were very clear I like it, my arm rest is doing the same thing and I will be following these instructions, thanks

 

Nice write up. Good to know, I am sure they come off more than you would think.

 

Thanks guys.. Yeah I wasn't sure but I figured it was pretty common after noticing mine and my Grandpas truck were both doing it..

 

Cool write up.


Side note, Im glad i dont have those door panels. Hope i dont end up with them when i get new doors either. Dont care for their handle(s) positions.