DS7 door panel

DS Automobiles DS 7 & DS 7 CROSSBACK
1

Hi everyone, first time post.

I was removing the drivers side door panel on my DS7 to investigate an annoying rattle. After removing all the necessary screws (bottom, side and two on arm rest) as I was lifting the panel off the interior handle came with it and as a result snapped the plastic tube for the handle ambient light.

Got a replacement part on the way but can anyone confirm whether the handle should have come away with the card or remain attached the door?

Does anyone have a specific instructions for removing the door panel in case I did it incorrectly?

Has anyone had to replace the interior handle before?

Many thanks in advance.

Dan

2

I had to start experimenting as no one here seems to know how the DS7 door panel comes off.

Here is what I learned, I hope many will benefit from this:

The door handle is attached to both, the panel through 5 clips, and the door through 3 hooks that slide backwards to release.

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That is a rear door, but the same applies.
The tricky part are some retainers that have a locking pin that needs to be removed to release the panel.

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If the ambient temperature is high enough you can be lucky and may manage to release them just by pulling, but if not… you will be breaking something.
Actually, the best advice I can give to anyone needing to remove a door panel is doing it only if ambient temperature is over 25C, otherwise you will break stuff and may not be able to release some clips. I have successfully managed a 15C morning using a hair drier to “soften” some clips and get them to release, but I broke many clips anyway compared to a sunny day when I broke nothing.