How do you take off the door panels to replace the factory speakers in a 98 mercury mystique?

Answer 1

This proceedure may sound involved, but it is quite easy. Just a matter of finding all the fasteners (screws).

There are three or four small, exposed screws to remove along the bottom & side of the panel. Additionally, there is a plastic cover over the center of the door handle that must be removed. A flat screwdriver works well, just be gentle to avoid any noticable scratches to the trim. Under it you will find another screw to remove. Also remove the small plastic plugs - one on the door arm rest, the other on the panel - and remove them to access two more screws. The small, triangular trim piece at the corner of the front window adjacent the mirror will need to be removed. There is a plastic plug & screw to remove as well. The plug over the triagular trim gave me trouble as it's hard plastic & quite snug. I simply drove a screw into it about 1/4 inch and pulled it out by the screw, then replaced it with a new one when done. The last screw is under the paddle that opens the door. It simply holds the plastic trim in place. Depending on model year, there may or may not be a plastic plug covering it.

Finally, with all the screws removed, pull the window switch up and unplug it, and set it aside. Now gently pull the bottom of the panel away from the door a few inches and lift the panel. Focus most of the lifting at the end away from the mirror as the mirror hardware may still be a bit of an obstruction.