Just finished swapping out the front speakers on the SEL (non-Bose). I found only one YouTube video in Japanese with instructions to remove the door panel and I thought some details could be useful for everyone here. I will also state some lessons learned during the process as I edit to add more details.
Tools needed (for door panel removal)
Time required: 10 minutes
Steps:
1. Using the left door as an example, the right door procedure is identical. Open the door wide.
2. Using a panel tool, pry off the tweeter cover. Reach from the location as shown below. Work your way UP and pry. It's ok, the holding clip is a springed metal clip.
![Image]()
Two clips hold this cover in place. The metal clip will pop out as you pry, and if you twist the plastic cover slightly clockwise, the plastic clip will detach more easily.
![Image]()
You can unplug the tweeter assembly by releasing the harness. Set the assembly aside.
3. Remove Phillips screw 1 (as shown in the photo below). For Phillips screw 2, use the flathead screwdriver to gently pry open the flap, then remove the screw.
![Image]()
4. Use the panel tool and slide it into the notched space at the bottom of the door panel (as shown above and below). Work your way to the left and right, and pry toward you to open the door panel. Wiggle and pry as you go. It can be pretty tight, and some force is needed. However, if you look at the picture below and see where the retaining clips are, you can exert force more in the right locations more accurately and it can make "popping" the clips easier.
![Image]()
Here are the locations of all 12 clips.
![Image]()
4. Once you have wiggled and pried loose all the clips, you can hold the panel and lift it to release.
![Image]()
5. Once you have lifted the door panel up, you will see three connections in the back: the door release cable, and two electrical harnesses. Press the lever on the yellow latch to disconnect the door release cable.
![Image]()
6. Release the two electrical harnesses by pressing on the respective levers as well.
![Image]()
With these connectors off, the door panel is completely free.
![Image]()
Tools needed (for door panel removal)
- Philips screwdriver
- Small flathead screwdriver
- Panel removal tools
Time required: 10 minutes
Steps:
1. Using the left door as an example, the right door procedure is identical. Open the door wide.
2. Using a panel tool, pry off the tweeter cover. Reach from the location as shown below. Work your way UP and pry. It's ok, the holding clip is a springed metal clip.
Two clips hold this cover in place. The metal clip will pop out as you pry, and if you twist the plastic cover slightly clockwise, the plastic clip will detach more easily.
You can unplug the tweeter assembly by releasing the harness. Set the assembly aside.
3. Remove Phillips screw 1 (as shown in the photo below). For Phillips screw 2, use the flathead screwdriver to gently pry open the flap, then remove the screw.
4. Use the panel tool and slide it into the notched space at the bottom of the door panel (as shown above and below). Work your way to the left and right, and pry toward you to open the door panel. Wiggle and pry as you go. It can be pretty tight, and some force is needed. However, if you look at the picture below and see where the retaining clips are, you can exert force more in the right locations more accurately and it can make "popping" the clips easier.
Here are the locations of all 12 clips.
4. Once you have wiggled and pried loose all the clips, you can hold the panel and lift it to release.
5. Once you have lifted the door panel up, you will see three connections in the back: the door release cable, and two electrical harnesses. Press the lever on the yellow latch to disconnect the door release cable.
6. Release the two electrical harnesses by pressing on the respective levers as well.
With these connectors off, the door panel is completely free.
