Just did this last month on my 97 GC (replace speaker). No need to
remove the door handle by removing the two screws. Just remove the
screw behind the pop out bezel at the handle and the button below the
arm rest (also one near mirror on front door) and start popping out
the plastic clips (about 1.5 inches inside the edge) holding the trim
panel from the bottom and sides. The top of the trim slips over the
door edge between the metal and the window. No need to remove the
speaker grill. After the clips are free reach behind and disconnect
the wiring and then manuver around the chrome door handle (might have
to open the handle). The factory manual is much more useful than the
the off brand versions, its shows the clips and screws clearly.
>
> I'm trying to check out the lock mechanism on my 97 jeep grand cherokee,
> and I can't seem to figure out how to get the trim panel off on one of the
> doors without taking the chance of breaking something. Do I have to remove
> the whole panel to work on the lock mechanism (near the handle), or is
> there a way to get just that piece around the handle off. The Haynes
> manual is useless for this, as the pictures show a much older model than
> the one I have. I've removed a little plastic piece behind the handle, and
> found a screw there (and took it out), I've also removed a little round
> plastic piece that's a little lower, and removed the screw under that.
> There are also two torx screws behind the handle that are *really* hard to
> get at. I've removed one, and I've loosened the other one as far as I can
> currently get it...I'm hoping as I pull off the panel, I'll be able to
> take it all the way off.
>
> Is there something I'm missing here?
>
> Thanks a bunch,
>
> Tom