Left or Right Front Door Trim Panel Armrest/Pull Handle Cover Pulls Off of Door (Replace Armrest/Handle with New Fasteners)

Some customers may comment that the armrest/pull handle has become detached or has broken off of the driver or passenger door trim panel while entering the vehicle.

When the door is open, the armrest/pull handle is located at or above the driver's or passenger's head when standing on the ground. In some cases, the tendency may be to reach up and grab the armrest/pull handle to assist in stepping up into the truck. Using the armrest as an assist handle may cause the plastic rivets to fail and pull the screws out of the inner door panel bracket.

Replace the door trim panel armrest/pull handle only along with new fasteners using the following procedure. The new fasteners will create a more robust joint between the armrest and the door.

1. Remove the door trim panel. Refer to the Front Side Door Trim Panel Replacement procedure in SI.
2. Using an 11/32 drill bit, drill out the broken plastic rivet heads from the door panel. Discard the old armrest if it was still attached.



3. Remove the existing nuts from the inner door panel metal bracket and Install two new push-on u-nuts, P/N 11518483, on the inner door panel bracket as shown above.
4. Attach the new armrest to the door panel.



5. On the back side of the trim panel, install three new push-on retainers (palnuts), P/N 11588441, over the prongs of the armrest as shown above.
6. Install the door trim panel. Refer to the Front Side Door Trim Panel Replacement procedure in SI.



7. Install two new larger diameter bolts, P/N 11610199, to the armrest.

For vehicles repaired under warranty, use: