986 S Loose N/S Door Card
Discussion
As an expert on door removal, after having the door panel off 6 times as I adjusted my window 
then take your time, the panel comes off quite easily and there are plenty of guides on YouTube - it's exactly the same job as a 996 if that helps.
The worst part of all was getting off the "airbag" plastic logo but i'm not sure if your 986 has door airbags so that might not matter!
If you don't have a plastic spatula, then I recommend buying a wee "trim tool" set from Amazon for less than a tenner. It makes removing all the bits much easier and you are less likely to scratch your trim.
To remove the door panel itself (once you have removed the handle, screws etc), then start at the outside top edge and work your way round to the hinge round the bottom. To remove the panel itself, you have to pull it outwards from the bottom (so that it's now at an angle to the top where it slots into the actual door seal), then you lift the whole thing up. Unclipping the connectors and the door handle going into the panel is easy.
It will help when you are going to remove it if you slide it slightly towards the rear of the door ... similarly when putting it back on, put the window down to make it easier, then put it on slightly more towards outer edge of door, then use your hand to bang it back into it's rightful place. If that is the drivers door, then you are putting it on too far to the right then bashing the outside edge left to get it lined back up properly.
Don't be afraid to have to use some force to get the existing clips out, or bang it hard with the side of your fist to get the clips back in again. It needs more force than you'd think, if you are like me and not used to such jobs.
Good luck!
then take your time, the panel comes off quite easily and there are plenty of guides on YouTube - it's exactly the same job as a 996 if that helps.The worst part of all was getting off the "airbag" plastic logo but i'm not sure if your 986 has door airbags so that might not matter!
If you don't have a plastic spatula, then I recommend buying a wee "trim tool" set from Amazon for less than a tenner. It makes removing all the bits much easier and you are less likely to scratch your trim.
To remove the door panel itself (once you have removed the handle, screws etc), then start at the outside top edge and work your way round to the hinge round the bottom. To remove the panel itself, you have to pull it outwards from the bottom (so that it's now at an angle to the top where it slots into the actual door seal), then you lift the whole thing up. Unclipping the connectors and the door handle going into the panel is easy.
It will help when you are going to remove it if you slide it slightly towards the rear of the door ... similarly when putting it back on, put the window down to make it easier, then put it on slightly more towards outer edge of door, then use your hand to bang it back into it's rightful place. If that is the drivers door, then you are putting it on too far to the right then bashing the outside edge left to get it lined back up properly.
Don't be afraid to have to use some force to get the existing clips out, or bang it hard with the side of your fist to get the clips back in again. It needs more force than you'd think, if you are like me and not used to such jobs.
Good luck!
Edited by nebpor on Thursday 1st June 11:42
nebpor said:
The worst part of all was getting off the "airbag" plastic logo but i'm not sure if your 986 has door airbags so that might not matter!
Almost certain he will have airbags. Only very few early 996 cars have none. I'd assume some 986 exist without but they will be early 2.5 cars only. I think the door card looks so much better without the airbag panel. Also I think some or all 996 gt3 rs have no side air bag. Either because of the roll cage or because lighter.I think it's impossible to remove this without damaging the leather a bit.
Ah didn't read it was 2003, so yes - airbags!
I managed it with only the smallest of marks on the leather - I found prying it out starting on the right worked best. The first time I did it the trim tool snapped and my finger started bleeding
Without a slim trim tool I'd have no doubt managed to put a screw driver through the entire panel as I fought to remove it!
I managed it with only the smallest of marks on the leather - I found prying it out starting on the right worked best. The first time I did it the trim tool snapped and my finger started bleeding
Without a slim trim tool I'd have no doubt managed to put a screw driver through the entire panel as I fought to remove it!
Thank you!
nebpor said:
As an expert on door removal, after having the door panel off 6 times as I adjusted my window then take your time, the panel comes off quite easily and there are plenty of guides on YouTube - it's exactly the same job as a 996 if that helps.
The worst part of all was getting off the "airbag" plastic logo but i'm not sure if your 986 has door airbags so that might not matter!
If you don't have a plastic spatula, then I recommend buying a wee "trim tool" set from Amazon for less than a tenner. It makes removing all the bits much easier and you are less likely to scratch your trim.
To remove the door panel itself (once you have removed the handle, screws etc), then start at the outside top edge and work your way round to the hinge round the bottom. To remove the panel itself, you have to pull it outwards from the bottom (so that it's now at an angle to the top where it slots into the actual door seal), then you lift the whole thing up. Unclipping the connectors and the door handle going into the panel is easy.
It will help when you are going to remove it if you slide it slightly towards the rear of the door ... similarly when putting it back on, put the window down to make it easier, then put it on slightly more towards outer edge of door, then use your hand to bang it back into it's rightful place. If that is the drivers door, then you are putting it on too far to the right then bashing the outside edge left to get it lined back up properly.
Don't be afraid to have to use some force to get the existing clips out, or bang it hard with the side of your fist to get the clips back in again. It needs more force than you'd think, if you are like me and not used to such jobs.
Good luck!
then take your time, the panel comes off quite easily and there are plenty of guides on YouTube - it's exactly the same job as a 996 if that helps.The worst part of all was getting off the "airbag" plastic logo but i'm not sure if your 986 has door airbags so that might not matter!
If you don't have a plastic spatula, then I recommend buying a wee "trim tool" set from Amazon for less than a tenner. It makes removing all the bits much easier and you are less likely to scratch your trim.
To remove the door panel itself (once you have removed the handle, screws etc), then start at the outside top edge and work your way round to the hinge round the bottom. To remove the panel itself, you have to pull it outwards from the bottom (so that it's now at an angle to the top where it slots into the actual door seal), then you lift the whole thing up. Unclipping the connectors and the door handle going into the panel is easy.
It will help when you are going to remove it if you slide it slightly towards the rear of the door ... similarly when putting it back on, put the window down to make it easier, then put it on slightly more towards outer edge of door, then use your hand to bang it back into it's rightful place. If that is the drivers door, then you are putting it on too far to the right then bashing the outside edge left to get it lined back up properly.
Don't be afraid to have to use some force to get the existing clips out, or bang it hard with the side of your fist to get the clips back in again. It needs more force than you'd think, if you are like me and not used to such jobs.
Good luck!
Edited by nebpor on Thursday 1st June 11:42
Thanks All
I'd already ordered the new clips (Porsche were cheapest!) so picking them up tomorrow. And thanks for the advice - trim removal kit to be ordered.
As said, car does have the airbag so it's disconnect battery first.
I'd bought a lot of masking tape as I've polished the headlights to bring them back to life (used the autoglym kit and it worked very well) so was thinking of masking the leather around the airbag tab to see if that helps protect the leather - will see how it goes!
I'd already ordered the new clips (Porsche were cheapest!) so picking them up tomorrow. And thanks for the advice - trim removal kit to be ordered.
As said, car does have the airbag so it's disconnect battery first.
I'd bought a lot of masking tape as I've polished the headlights to bring them back to life (used the autoglym kit and it worked very well) so was thinking of masking the leather around the airbag tab to see if that helps protect the leather - will see how it goes!
DBXExige said:
nebpor said:
Last tip when disconnecting battery - stuff a rag in the front bonnet catch in case the wind closes it and locks you out
Good luck and please report back!
That's a very good tip!!!!! ThanksGood luck and please report back!
nebpor said:
Any garage should be able to reset that for you!
OP: the airbag light only comes on if you disconnect battery, remove airbag connector, then connect battery with the airbag unplugged - you don't need to disconnect airbag for this job
Exactly although I think you need ignition on to throw the light but can't be certain. OP: the airbag light only comes on if you disconnect battery, remove airbag connector, then connect battery with the airbag unplugged - you don't need to disconnect airbag for this job
You need to pay attention to the membrane which is hard to do with panel still partially fitted. It can get dislodged [ or even worse damaged ] when you're attacking door panel with lever tools at the start of your procedure. Membrane holds moisture in the door away from the panel. I can't imagine these clips getting damaged all by themselves so someone has been in there prior to you. Potential reasons are membrane itself, window regulator or door latch.
DBXExige said:
I'd bought a lot of masking tape as I've polished the headlights to bring them back to life (used the autoglym kit and it worked very well) ....
Just so you know for future, the headlights pop out completely in less than 30 seconds a side. 
Do you have a list of the part numbers for the door clips?
I think there are two sorts on the door cards to these? I have the slightest of rattles on my drivers side door, the last noise anywhere in the cabin that I have, so want to just put all new clips on and tighten anything behind there that could be causing it.
Edited by deutsche.diagnostics on Friday 2nd June 14:34
I'd first take the door card off, membrane then make sure your speakers are tight as they can slacken off (as me how I know) - it's fairly easy to find a door rattle ... just bang on the door card in different places until you hear it!!
I hadn't clipped the bottom nearest the hinge in properly there and it was an annoying rattle.
I hadn't clipped the bottom nearest the hinge in properly there and it was an annoying rattle.
Edited by nebpor on Friday 2nd June 15:38
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