Broken door F250?

[BrushApe]

The other day I tried to get out of my 97 F250 crew cab diesel and the door handle was stuck. Rolled down window and was able to open the from the outside. I took all the screws out of the door panel I could find. The bottom of the panel would come up but the top of the door panel remained solid but I could not find how to release it. Was able to reach up and fiddle with door handle apparatus and wha-la, door opened as ususal. Went down town, door worked fine, got home, was stuck again, aaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh! Next couple days it remained stuck, then suddenly it opened one day. Then it was stuck again and has remained that way for over a week.

Does anyone know how to remove the door panel to access the inside. I have pried, pushed, pulled, got mad, tried to be nice, screamed at it, just can't find what is holding the top of the panel in place.

Can anyone help this mechanically challenged old fat guy??????????

BA

[HntnFsh]

Not sure on that one.But the arm rest usually has screw in it that need to come out.You also need to roll down the window and push up on the panel from the botttom to release it.

Somebody else will probably be able to give you more precise help

[CATCH AND EAT]

If memory serves me here is what you need to do. Ford from 95 on redesigned their trim panels and eliminated the old style Christmas Tree Clips. On the back side of your panel they have what looks like a "L" hook that sticks down vertical and slides into a slot in the door. First you must remove any screws that are possibly holding the panel down. Many times there are screws hidden by the speaker cover or directly under the door handle itself. Also check the pocket of the armrest as there are screws there. Sometimes Ford will set two screws up through the bottom of the panel and there may be a recessed hole there to check. Once the screws are removed push in on the panel and raise it vertical from the door itself. It does take a bit of pressure to start moving it. Hope this helps ya.

Far as the door handle you will most likely need to replace this item. While you have the trim panel off be sure to squirt some Tri-FLo on the latch inside and out. It is possible that the latch itself could be starting to fail.

Good luck

[BrushApe]

Thanks guys!! Pretty sure I have got all the screws out, just couldn't get the top of the panel to budge. Will try all the suggestions. Nice day, took off this AM for some big river fishing in this country. One hour and 23 minutes, 6 hits, four fish landed and kept two hatchery hens for springer egg supply. Door should just fly off the way my day is going so far.

Thanks again.

BA

[CATCH AND EAT]

Had me going there for a second. I misread your post and thought you caught springers. PHewwwwww.......My heart was racing there for a second. Nice job on the fish.