Remote mirrors do not work, how do I remove armrest to get at switch

Remove the door trim panel and replace the switch. You might be able to push up the switch from the door armrest from the hole below and in front of the armrest. Google the assembly pic. Or buy a Bentley EBahn CD and get access to EBahn Web.

WINDOWS
1991 Pontiac Sunbird






One piece trim panel is used on styles with standard trim. The custom trim has an upper metal trim panel. The one piece trim hangs over the door inner panel across the top and is secured by clips down the sides and across the bottom. It is retained by screws located in the areas of the top front of the panel assembly.

Remove all door inside handles.

Removing a window crank handle (with a retaining clip inside the handle) without a special tool can be a problem. An alternative method is to take a clean shop towel and wedge it between the window crank handle and the door panel. Move it up, while pulling it from left to right, as in a sawing motion working the clean shop towel until the retaining clip comes free.

Remove the door inside locking rod knob.
Unfasten the screws inserted through the door armrest and pull the handle assembly into the door inner panel or armrest hanger support bracket.
On styles with remote control mirrors assemblies, disengage the end of the mirror control cable from the bezel on the standard trim, or from the upper trim panel on the custom trim. On custom trim, remove the upper trim panel.
On styles with power window or door lock controls located in the door trim panel, disconnect the wire harnesses at the switch assemblies. On the four door sedan and the two door hatchback, remove the switch cover by pushing down at the switch area and pulling down at the bottom of the cover. The switch and base may be removed from the trim with the cover removed.
Remove the remote control handle bezel screws.
Unfasten the screws used to hold the armrest to the inner panel.
Remove the screws and plastic retainers from the perimeter of the door trim using tool BT-7323A or equivalent and a screwdriver. To remove the trim panel, push the trim panel upward and outboard to disengage from the door inner panel at the beltline.
On styles with an insulator pad fastened to the door inner panel, use tool J-21104 or equivalent to remove the fasteners and the insulator pad.
On styles with the water defector held in place by fasteners, use tool BT-7323A or equivalent to remove the fasteners and the water deflector.
On styles with the armrest bracket riveted to the inner panel and installed over the water deflector, drill out the armrest bracket rivets using a 3 / 16 in. (5mm) drill bit.

Tilt the front edge of the glass downward to locate the glass in the door.
Apply pressure rearward and snap the glass rear guide into the rear run channel.
Lower the glass to about 3 in. (76mm) above the beltline and install the widow regulator roller to sash channel.
Run the glass to the full up position.
Place the front glass retainer in position and install the bolts.
Check the window to make sure it operates correctly, then install the remaining trim parts.

Door Panels REMOVAL & INSTALLATION 1989–91 Vehicles

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
2. On 1990–91 vehicles, remove the speaker grille.
3. Remove the retaining screws from the door inside handle cup.
4. If equipped with armrest courtesy lamps, remove the lens, detach the bulb and wiring assembly from the pull cup and remove the pull cup.
5. Working through the pull cup opening, disconnect the remote lock rod from the lock knob.
6. Remove the retaining screw and the remote mirror bezel nut from the power window regulator housing switch plate, if equipped.
7. Raise the plate to expose the window switch and power door lock switch and disconnect the switches.
8. Remove the retaining screws from the armrest finish panel.
9. Remove the retaining screws from the armrest and remove the armrest.
10. Using a suitable trim pad removal tool, carefully pry the trim panel plastic push pin retainers from the door inner panel. NOTE: Do not use the trim panel to pry the clips from the door inner panel. Replace any bent, damaged or missing push pins.
    
11. Disconnect the radio speaker wiring, if equipped.
12. Remove the trim panel and watershield. To install:
    
13. If the door panel is to be replaced, transfer the plastic push pins to the new panel. Make sure that the watershield is positioned correctly to the door sheet metal. Remove the door pull handle from the old panel and transfer to the new one.
14. Position the door panel loosely to the door belt opening and route the wiring harness through the appropriate access holes in the panel.
15. Connect the radio speaker, if equipped.
16. Align the plastic push pins on the door panel to the holes in the door sheet metal and press the pins into place.
17. Install the armrest and route the window regulator, remote mirror cable and power lock harness through the access hole.
18. Install the armrest finish panel.
19. Install the power window regulator switch plate housing to the armrest connecting the power window switch, power door lock switch and remote mirror bezel nut, if equipped, prior to securing the retainer screw.
20. Connect the lock remote rod to the lock knob retainer boss. NOTE: Make sure that the remote rod is fully seated into the retainer boss, then function manually or with the power switch to ensure smooth operation of the lock knob.
    
21. Install the bulb and wiring assembly.
22. Install the lamp lens, if equipped, and the pull cup.
23. On 1990–91 vehicles, install the speaker grille.
24. Connect the negative battery cable. Fig. 1: Front door panel — 1990–91 vehicles
    Fig. 2: Rear door panel — 1989–91 vehicles
    

1992–98 Vehicles

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
2. If removing the driver's door panel, remove the nut from the outside rearview mirror control switch.
3. Remove the window regulator switch housing by gently prying up, starting at the front. Fig. 3: Front door panel — 1992–98 vehicles
   Fig. 4: Rear door panel — 1992–98 vehicles
   Fig. 5: Remove the window regulator switch housing by gently prying up, starting at the front
   
   
4. Detach all connectors from the switch housing.
5. Remove the door inside handle cup.
6. Remove the push pin from the door trim panel upper front extension and remove the screw.
7. Remove the lower self-tapping screw retaining the door trim panel to the door inner panel. Fig. 6: Detach the switch housing electrical connector and remove the housing
   Fig. 7: Remove the door inside handle cup
   Fig. 8: Remove the screws from the door panel in the front and on the upper extension
   
   
8. On Grand Marquis, pry up the screw covers from the door pull handle and remove the screws and handle.
9. Lift the door panel upward and snap out the panel. Fig. 9: There are also retaining screws located in the map pocket as well as . . .
   Fig. 10: . . . along the bottom edge of the door panel
   
   
10. Disconnect the necessary wire harnesses and remove the panel. To install:
    
11. Connect the wire harnesses to the door panel, as necessary.
12. Install the door panel by pushing in and down until it snaps into place.
13. Install all self-tapping screws retaining the door trim panel to the door inner panel.
14. On Grand Marquis, install the door pull handle, tighten the screws and install the screw covers.
15. Install the push pin covering screw on the panel upper front extension.
16. Install the inside door handle cup.
17. Install the window regulator switch housing and install the nut on the outside rearview mirror control switch, if removed.
18. Connect the negative battery cable. Fig. 11: Lift the door panel upward and snap out the panel to remove it from the door
    Fig. 12: Rotate the door marker lamp bulb and remove it from the door panel
    Fig. 13: Detach the connectors for the trunklid and fuel door release switches
    Fig. 14: Slide the relay connector off of the door panel and remove the door panel from the vehicle
    

Very easy! One tool that will save you a lot of headache and anger can be bought at any auto parts store and looks like this:



You use this tool to pop loose the plastic fastners that are attached to the door panel edges.

But first, remove all screws...remove the door handle cup, pop loose the master door/window stich assmbly, etc. Very simple process....takes less than 10 minutes.

Door Panel

1. Remove all door inside handles.
   
2. Remove the door inside locking rod knob.
   
3. On styles with door pull handles, remove the screws inserted through the handle into the door panel.
   
4. On styles with remote control mirror assemblies, remove the remote mirror escutcheon and disengage the end of the mirror control cable from the escutcheon.
   
5. On styles equipped with switch cover plate in the door armrest, remove the screws securing the cover plate, then disconnect the switches and cigar lighter, if so equipped, from the harness connectors.
   
6. Remove the remote control cover plates and remove the exposed screws securing the cover plate to the door inner panel.
   
7. On styles with integral armrest, remove the screws inserted through the pull cup into the armrest hanger support. On some styles it may be necessary to remove the screws behind the armrest deflector or courtesy lamp remote control cover plate. On styles with armrest applied after the door trim installation, remove the armrest to door inner panel attaching screws.
   
8. On styles with with two piece trim panels, disengage the retainer clips at the front and rear of the upper trim panel. Remove the upper trim panel by lifting upward and sliding slightly rearward to disengage the the front door inner panel at the beltline.
   
9. On styles with electric switches located in the door trim panel, disconnect the wire harness at the switch assembly.
   
10. To remove the lower trim panel, remove the attaching screws along the upper edge of the lower trim panel. Then starting at a lower corner, insert a pry type tool between the door inner panel and the trim panel and disengage the retaining clips down both sides and across the bottom. On styles with courtesy lamps or reading lamps located in the trim panel, disconnect the wire harness at the lamp assembly.
    
11. On styles with one piece trim panels, remove all the clips around the perimeter of the trim panel. Push the trim panel downward and outboard to disengage it from the door inner panel at the beltline. Disconnect any courtesy lamp wire harnesses, if so equipped and remove the trim panel from the door.
    
12. Installation is the reverse of removal. On styles with adjustable trim supports at the beltline, the door trim panel can be adjusted in or out so as not to restrict door window operation
    

Standard Trim Disconnect the remote rod-to-lock knob assembly prior to lifting off the housing plate, to avoid possible damage to the lock knob assembly.

1. Remove the inside door handles by unfastening the retaining screws.
   
2. Remove the armrest. Tag and disconnect all electrical connectors.
   
3. Remove the mirror remote control bezel nut and bezel.
   

Before you proceed to the next step, carefully inspect the door panel to make sure that all the retaining screws have been removed.

1. Using a wooden spatula or panel puller (available at most automotive parts stores), pry around the trim panel putting pressure at the door trim clips. NEVER PRY BETWEEN THE CLIPS.
   
2. Installation is the reverse of removal. When installing the trim panel, align the clips in the panel with the holes in the door, then apply pressure on the panel over the clip until the clip snaps into place.
   

Deluxe Trim Disconnect the remote rod-to-lock knob assembly prior to lifting off the housing plate, to avoid possible damage to the lock knob assembly.

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
   
2. Remove the screws from the door handle cup.
   
3. If the car has an armrest courtesy lamp(s), remove the lens, then remove the bulb and wiring. Remove the pull cup.
   
4. Reach through the pull cup opening and disconnect the remote lock rod from the lock knob.
   
5. Remove the retaining screw and the remote mirror bezel nut from the power window regulator housing switch plate. Raise the plate to expose the window switch and power door lock switch and disconnect them.
   
6. Remove the retaining screws from the armrest assembly.
   

Before proceeding to the next step, carefully inspect the door panel and make sure all the retaining screws have been removed.

1. Using a wooden spatula or a panel puller (available at most automotive parts stores), pry around the trim panel putting pressure at the door trim clips. NEVER PRY BETWEEN THE CLIPS.
   
2. Disconnect the speaker wiring and lift off the panel.
   
3. Installation is the reverse of removal. When installing the trim panel, align the clips in the panel with the holes in the door, then apply pressure on the panel over the clip until the clip snaps into place.
   

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
2. If equipped with an accessory switch panel, carefully pry the switch panel up and away from the door panel. Tag and disconnect the switches from the panel.
3. On 1981-86 models, remove armrest attaching screws.
4. On 1987-96 models, remove the retainer screws secure the pocket in the molded armrest on the door panel.
5. If equipped with crank type windows, remove window crank handle with the appropriate clip removal tool.
6. If equipped with manual remote mirrors, remove the control knob bezel.
7. Remove inside door handle cover attaching screw and trim plate.
8. If equipped with door mounted speakers, remove the speaker, and disconnect the speaker wires. For speaker removal and installation steps, refer to .
9. Remove all external screws securing the door panel. Insert an appropriate prytool between the door panel and door frame to remove the hidden clips securing the panel.
10. Holding door panel vertical lift straight up to release the upper clip.
11. Inspect all retaining clips and replace any broken or missing pieces.

To install:

1. Position the door to the door and carefully press on the retainer clips to engage. If a clip will not engage, inspect the mounting hole behind the panel to make sure the clip is properly aligned. Install any panel-to-door retainer screws.
2. If equipped with crank windows, attach the washer and crank to the window regulator stud.
3. On 1981-86 models, attach the armrest to the door using the retainer screws.
4. On 1987-96 models, insert the armrest pocket and secure in place with retainer screws.
5. If equipped with door panel mounted speakers, attach the speaker wires to the speaker and secure the assembly to the door panel.
6. If equipped with remote cable mirrors, attach the control knob to the door panel with the retainer bezel.
7. If equipped with an ashtray, insert the holder assembly, and secure in place with retainer screws. Install the ashtray to the holder assembly.
8. Position the door handle trim panel around the door handle assembly, and secure in place with the retainer screw.
9. If equipped with accessory switch panel, attach the harnesses to the switches, and press the accessory plate into the door panel.
10. Connect the negative battery cable.
11. Check and make sure all panel components function correctly.

PLEASE DON'T FORGET TO RATE!!

Door Panel

1. Remove the door handles and the locking knob from the inside of the doors.
   

If equipped with screw retained door pull handles, remove the screws through the handle into the door inner panel.

1. If equipped with remote control mirrors, remove the remote mirror escutcheon, then disengage the end of the mirror control cable from the escutcheon.
   

Door lock remote control handle


Removing the clip from inside the door handle

3. If equipped with a switch cover plate in the door armrest, remove the cover plate screws, then disconnect the switches and the cigar lighter (if equipped) from the electrical harness.
4. If equipped with an integral armrest, remove the screws inserted through the pull cup into the armrest hanger support. If equipped with an armrest applied after the door trim installation, remove the armrest-to-inner panel screws.


View of the armrest switch cover plate and remove mirror cable attachment

1. If equipped with two-piece trim panels, disengage the retainer clips from the front and the rear of the upper trim panel, using tool No. BT-7323A, then lift the upper door trim and slide it slightly rearward to disengage it from the door inner panel at the beltline.
   

If equipped with electric switches in the door trim panel, disengage the electrical connectors from the switch assembly.

1. Along the upper edge of the lower trim panel, remove the mounting screws. At the lower edge of the panel, insert tool No. BT-7323A between the inner panel and the trim panel, then disengage the retaining clips from around the outer perimeter. To remove the lower panel, push the panel down and outward to disengage it from the door.
   

If equipped with courtesy lights, disconnect the wiring harness.

1. If equipped with an insulator pad glued to the door inner panel, remove the pad (with a putty knife) by separating it from the inner panel.
   

To install:
If replacing the inner pad to the door inner panel, use 3M General Trim Adhesive No. 8080, glue it to the panel.

1. If removed, glue a new inner pad to the door inner panel.
   

If equipped with courtesy lights, connect the wiring harness.


Exploded view of the window regulator handle


Exploded view of the door trim panel

1. Engage the retaining clips around the edge of the lower trim panel, then install mounting screws.
   

If equipped with electric switches in the door trim panel, engage the electrical connectors to the switch assembly.

1. If equipped with two-piece trim panels, engage the retainer clips to the front and the rear of the upper trim panel.
   
2. If equipped with an integral armrest, install the retaining screws.
   
3. If equipped with a switch cover plate in the door armrest, engage the switches and cigar lighter (if equipped) harness connectors, then install the cover plate and secure using the plate screws.
   
4. If equipped with remote control mirrors, engage the control cable, then install the remote mirror escutcheon.
   

If equipped, install the pull handle screws through the handle into the door inner panel.

1. Install the door handles and the locking knob to the inside of the doors.
   

Exploded view of the 2-piece door trim

1. Remove the door handles and the locking knob from the inside of the doors.
   

If equipped with screw retained door pull handles, remove the screws through the handle into the door inner panel.

1. If equipped with a switch cover plate in the door armrest, remove the cover plate screws, then disconnect the switch
   

from the electrical harness.

1. If equipped with an integral armrest, remove the screws inserted through the pull cup into the armrest hanger support. If equipped with an armrest applied after the door trim installation, remove the armrest-to-inner panel screws.
   
2. If equipped with two-piece trim panels, disengage the retainer clips from the front and the rear of the upper trim panel, using tool No. BT-7323A, then lift the upper door trim and slide it slightly rearward to disengage it from the door inner panel at the beltline.
   

If equipped with electric switches in the door trim panel, disengage the electrical connectors from the switch assembly.

1. Along the upper edge of the lower trim panel, remove the mounting screws. At the lower edge of the panel, insert tool No. BT-7323A between the inner panel and the trim panel, then disengage the retaining clips from around the outer perimeter. To remove the lower panel, push the panel down and outward to disengage it from the door.
   

If equipped with courtesy lights, disconnect the wiring harness.

1. If equipped with an insulator pad glued to the door inner panel, remove the pad (with a putty knife) by separating it from the inner panel.
   

To install:
If replacing the inner pad to the door inner panel, use 3M General Trim Adhesive No. 8080, glue it to the panel.

1. If removed, glue a new inner pad to the door inner panel.
   

If equipped with courtesy lights, connect the wiring harness.

1. Engage the retaining clips around the edge of the lower trim panel, then install mounting screws.
   

If equipped with electric switches in the door trim panel, engage the electrical connectors to the switch assembly.

1. If equipped with two-piece trim panels, engage the retainer clips to the front and the rear of the upper trim panel.
   
2. If equipped with an integral armrest, install the retaining screws.
   
3. If equipped with a switch cover plate in the door armrest, engage the switch harness connector, then install the cover plate and secure using the plate screws.
   

If equipped, install the pull handle screws through the handle into the door inner panel.

1. Install the door handles and the locking knob to the inside of the doors.
   

Remove the front door handle bezel.
Remove the window switch control bezel,snaps in.
Disconnect the window control switch connectors.
Remove the 3 door panel screws,should be 2 at bottom and one where the window control switch bezel was.
Lift the door trim panel by pulling directly upward on the armrest to disengage the panel clips.
Unhook the mirror electrical connector.
Remove the 3 mirror nuts and remove the mirror.

There is a Technical Service Bulletin on the power mirror actuator for replacement. If your mirror just stopped operating, I would take it back to the dealer and they will fix at no charge due to the TSB.

For removing the door panel

1. Remove window crank handle or power window switch assembly (if equipped).

• Disconnect harness connectors.

1. Remove pull handle escutcheon.
2. Remove pull handle cover and remove screw.
3. Lift armrest upward to release clips and remove armrest.

• Remove front door finisher screws behind armrest.

1. Release clips and remove front door finisher.

• Disconnect lock cable and handle cable from inside door handle assembly.

1. Remove all door inside handles.
2. Remove the door inside locking rod knob.
3. On styles with door pull handles, remove the screws inserted through the handle into the door panel.
4. On styles with remote control mirror assemblies, remove the remote mirror escutcheon and disengage the end of the mirror control cable from the escutcheon.
5. On styles equipped with switch cover plate in the door armrest, remove the screws securing the cover plate, then disconnect the switches and cigar lighter, if so equipped, from the harness connectors.
6. Remove the remote control cover plates and remove the exposed screws securing the cover plate to the door inner panel.
7. On styles with integral armrest, remove the screws inserted through the pull cup into the armrest hanger support. On some styles it may be necessary to remove the screws behind the armrest deflector or courtesy lamp remote control cover plate. On styles with armrest applied after the door trim installation, remove the armrest to door inner panel attaching screws.
8. On styles with with two piece trim panels, disengage the retainer clips at the front and rear of the upper trim panel. Remove the upper trim panel by lifting upward and sliding slightly rearward to disengage the the front door inner panel at the beltline.
9. On styles with electric switches located in the door trim panel, disconnect the wire harness at the switch assembly.
10. To remove the lower trim panel, remove the attaching screws along the upper edge of the lower trim panel. Then starting at a lower corner, insert a pry type tool between the door inner panel and the trim panel and disengage the retaining clips down both sides and across the bottom. On styles with courtesy lamps or reading lamps located in the trim panel, disconnect the wire harness at the lamp assembly.
11. On styles with one piece trim panels, remove all the clips around the perimeter of the trim panel. Push the trim panel downward and outboard to disengage it from the door inner panel at the beltline. Disconnect any courtesy lamp wire harnesses, if so equipped and remove the trim panel from the door.
12. Installation is the reverse of removal. On styles with adjustable trim supports at the beltline, the door trim panel can be adjusted in or out so as not to restrict door window operation.