How do you remove the inside door panel of a 1992 Toyota Paseo with the door closed?

Answer 1

You cannot. If the issue is that you can't open the door at all (either b/c it's locked and you can't unlock it, or both the inside and outside door handles are inop) try taking the inside door handle off first and then using a pair of pliers to pull or push on the rod or cable. This may fix your problem or at least help you see what the problem really is.

Then if you can get the door open, there is one screw in the door handle (as you probably know by now) and several on the bottom of the panel. Remove the window crank by pushing in on the panel and looking for the metal retainer clip. Pull out that clip and the handle should slip right off. Take the screw out of the mirror adjuster arm. Release all of the screws, get a plastic putty knife or other hard plastic prying tool, and pull out on the bottom. It should "POP" several times with medium force and become looser. Keep pulling very carefully all the way up both sides until you reach the window sill. At this point you will probably need to pull upwards slightly on the panel. The panel should come right off now. Just check for any bars, wires, cables, or other obstructions as you pull gently. TA-DA!!!

This procedure is fine, but you must also remove the small screw just forward of the arm rest. Then pry off the cushion pad from the arm rest and remove the two large screws which fasten the door panel to the door. Then, TA-DA will happen.