How do you remove the front door panel on a 1997 sl1 saturn

check the numbers on both of them first

the best part about having a Saturn is that you don't need to. have a look and your going to remove the outside panel around the door. the one that's painted the color of the car. the panels in thees are easily replaced and removed and this will allow access to windows. (kinda crazy and different than any other make but Saturn knows what makes seance and did it well.

I'd suggest to GOOGLE..
{ how to remove Saturn outer door panel.. }
and look at this web page for starters...

http://www.saturnfans.com/forums/index.php

Start by removing the front door rear view mirror interior cosmetic piece.
Remove the 3 large nuts holding the mirror on and take it off the car.
Lift the door handle up and push the two small handle retaining pins out, take off the door handle. Unscrew all the bolts holding the door panel onto the frame, special driver needed. Lift the door panel up and away from the door. Reinstall in reverse order. If you are doing a back door, omit the mirror part.

it is not really hard but make sure the ignition switch and security system will still work if you relplace it, if it has a security light in the dash when you open the door, it is harder, if it doesn't then you can do it...
remove all bottom plastic panels, all wiring connections, disconnect the yoke on the engine side of the compartment on the bottom, there are two or 4 big screws holding the column up, loosen them from the bottom, and follow steps, make sure battery is disconnected and air bag fuse is removed...this is just a general instruction.

Iam not sure if your looking for a compressor or a-c hose assembly.
These are the only parts that will fit on your SL1 -1997.

1997 SL1
Hose assembly
Suction hose assembly - Napa part # 282864
Discharge hose assembly - Napa part # 282866

1997 SL1
A/C Compressor - Napa part # 254550

You'll need to remove the outer door panel. There are torx head bit bolts going into the outer panel from the inner door. You'll need to remove the door handle, there is a small pin to remove and side of the door handle. Remove the chrome or black molding at the top of the door, against the window.

lift the handle up and underneath you will see two little pins holding the handle to the interior mechanism. push the pins through or extract them. be prepared to buy new ones when it is time to put the handle back on.

Saturn Coupes/Sedans/Wagons 1991-1998 Repair Guide
Door Glass and Regulator - REMOVAL & INSTALLATION
(see Figures 1, 2, 3 and 4)

1. Remove the outer door panel assembly. Refer to the sub-procedure under Door Locks, earlier in this section.
2. For rear doors, loosen the bottom fastener of the rear door stationary window assembly, in order to provide clearance, then apply tape to the lower half of the outboard exposed portion of the stationary window channel. The tape must be applied in order to prevent damage to the paint surface.
3. Lower the door glass, then use SA9148B, or an equivalent tool, to remove the glass nuts. Push the glass upward and rotate slightly, then remove the glass from the vehicle.
4. If the regulator is also to be removed, proceed as follows:
   1. Remove the inner door trim panel. Refer to the procedure earlier in this section.
   2. If applicable, unplug the wiring harness from the power regulator.
   3. Except for the rear door, remove the regulator cam bolts.
   4. Drill out the regulator rivets and remove the regulator from the vehicle.

To install:

1. If removed, install the regulator to the door assembly:
   1. Position the regulator to the door and secure using rivets.
   2. Except for the rear door, install the cam bolts.
   3. If applicable, connect the wiring harness to the regulator.
   4. Install the inner door trim panel to the vehicle.
2. Install the door glass into the door and over the regulator studs.
3. Install the glass nuts using tool SA9148B, or equivalent.
4. Check the door glass for proper operation and alignment.
5. If necessary, adjust the glass alignment. For rear doors, fore/aft adjustments are made after loosening the B bolts, while in/out adjustments are made when the A bolts are loosened.
6. Except for the rear doors, glass which is not running parallel to the door header may be adjusted after loosening the inner panel cam attachment bolts and adjusting the cam. If the glass is floating in the opening, lower the glass 3 / 4 downward, loosen the front guide fasteners, push the glass rearward to seat it in the rear channel, then bring the front glass guide back to the front edge of the glass. Apply a light finger pressure on the guide and tighten the fasteners.
7. Once the glass has been properly adjusted and is operating smoothly, install the outer door panel assembly.

Fig. 1: Remove the glass nuts using a suitable tool-front door shown



Fig. 2: Exploded view of the regulator mounting-except rear door



Fig. 3: Exploded view of the rear door regulator mounting



Fig. 4: Adjustments of rear door glass are made after loosening the A or B bolts


I hope help with this (remember rated this help) Good luck.

Use your spare key or remote key FOB to unlock the doors.