I need to take the driver's side door panel off to install s new acuator because the lock won't move electronically or by keyless entry.

 

When doing any interior trim work, get a good quality plastic interior trim kit. Worth more than their weight in gold - prevents metal to plastic contact that leaves marks.

First, check the areas where the interior door handles are located. You should see a couple of small covers. Use a small flat bladed screw driver to pry these off. Should have one phillips-headed screw underneath each. Take these out & remember from where they came.

Then, work around the lower edges of the interior panel. Should have approx. 6-8 plastic push pins holding the panel to the frame. Gently, but firmly, work around the sides & edges to loosen the panel.

Now look at trim around window. If some window trim pieces come in contact with the interior panel, remove the trim pieces now. Can't remove panel if these are in place.

Top part of panel clips over the window opening. When the sides & bottom are free, pull the panel up until top clears the opening. Unplug window/locks control modules from panel. Handle plastic case may come apart from the panel. If it does, remove it from the panel. You can now set the panel aside in a clean, dry place. Before doing that, check the back of the panel to see if any of the plastic attachment pins are still stuck in the frame. If so, remove from frame & place back on the panel. Should just slide on.

Installation is just the opposite.