Front door replacement

TDWERNER

MEMBER
2002 CHRYSLER SEBRING
2.6L
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
65,000 MILES

I need to replace the right front door of my car listed above LXi (4 door) after a recent accident. I plan to get the replacement door at an LKQ salvage yard. The actual removal and replacement looks relatively straightforward, but I’m concerned about the airbag system. Do I need to disconnect the battery before I remove the door from my car? Thanks.

Tim

1 Reply

STEVE W.

MECHANIC
13,022 POSTS

You will need to disconnect the battery but not so much for the airbags, There is an electrical harness that goes into the door and you will need to disconnect it and then connect the replacement to it. If there is an issue with a bad wire or switch you could plug in the harness and have a problem. So normally I'll disconnect the battery, remove the old part, then test the replacement or swap over parts as needed, then re-connect and verify that it all works.
I would be sure you have the replacement on hand before you remove the original. That will allow you to remove anything you need to swap over like lock cylinder or mirrors if your's has power and the replacement doesn't or similar issues.
The hardest part on swapping the doors is usually the alignment in all directions.