How do I remove the inside panel from my Passat door?

Question

I need to remove the inside panel from my 2005 Passat wagon passenger side door. I've gotten so far as to remove the bottom screws and popped several clips but I cannot seem to get the top lip off to remove the panel completely. I can't even lift the panel far enough to see what's holding it in place.

Answer 1

There's typically some metal retainers that grab the top metal lip of the door and some have to be yanked off and replaced or might be reusable if you don't pull of a tooth. Might have to rotate the panel up and pull or push out with the window down.

I'd eyeball it with the window down and a flashlight.

Good Luck!

Answer 2

To remove the trim panel are as follows:  where the window switch plate is you will need to lift that up (try to get it from the bottom ) using a hard nylon tool because you don't want to damage it, there are 3 phillips s***w behind that.  The trim panel  retainers will probably break when getting them off (made of crappy plastic). The inside door handle will need to be released, can be a little stubborn and then unclip the wiring harness from the trim panel.