How to remove inside door panel - 1997 Toyota RAV4

No you don't need any special tool . Find all screws on out side of door trim panel and the window handle , the mirror cover plate , then just pull on edge of the panel .
Gently pry the front side door trim panel (3) from the front side door by disengaging the plastic retainers which secure the panel.
Position the door trim panel (3) away from the door in order to gain access to the front side window switch electrical connector, if equipped.
Disconnect the window switch electrical connector, if equipped.
Remove the door trim panel (3) from the vehicle.
Remove the front side window switch from the door trim panel (3) by releasing the 4 plastic retaining tabs, as needed.

Use a cloth in order to pull off the snap ring which secures the front side door window regulator handle (1), if equipped.
Remove the window regulator handle (1), if equipped.
Remove the front side master window switch, if equipped. Refer to Power Accessory Switch Panel Replacement .

Remove the front side door inside handle (1). Refer to Front Side Door Inside Handle Replacement .
Remove the outside rearview mirror opening cover (2).
Remove the screw which secures the front side door pull handle (4).

Front Side Door Inside Handle Replacement
Removal Procedure
Remove the screw which secures the front side door inside handle (1).
Slide the inside handle (1) forward in order to release the retaining tabs which secure the handle to the door.
Open the front side door inside handle rod retainer and remove the front side door inside handle rod from the inside handle (1).
Remove the inside handle (1) from the vehicle.

Check out youtube video showing how to do it !
How To Remove Install Front Door Panel Suzuki XL 7

Hi Roberta, here's the instructions on how to remove your door panel. I have to wonder though on why you are removing it, my guess is you window doesn't roll up or down and your replacing the regulator. Any way here goes.

REMOVAL

1. Remove the plug and remove screw attaching door pull cup to inner door panel.
2. Remove switch bezel and disconnect power window/memory switch.
3. Remove screws attaching trim panel to door from below map pocket.
4. If equipped, remove window crank. (Refer to 23 - BODY/DOOR - FRONT/WINDOW CRANK - REMOVAL)
5. Remove screw holding door trim to door panel from behind inside latch release handle .
6. Disengage clips attaching door trim to door frame around perimeter of panel.
7. Lift trim panel upward to disengage flange from inner belt molding at top of door.
8. Tilt top of trim panel away from door to gain access to latch linkage.
9. Disengage clip attaching linkage rod to inside latch release handle (INSIDE DOOR HANDLE LINKAGE).
10. Separate linkage rod from latch handle.
11. Disconnect the power door switch, courtesy lamp electrical connectors.
12. Remove front door trim panel from vehicle.

Hope this helps and have an awesome day Roberta!

Answer
FRONT DOOR TRIM PANEL
REMOVAL
Using a trim stick (available from parts stores), pry courtesy lamp from door trim.
Disconnect wire connector from courtesy lamp.
If equipped, remove screws attaching door assist handle to inner door panel.
If equipped, remove screw attaching door pull cup to inner door panel.
If equipped, remove screws attaching trim panel to door from below map pocket.
If equipped, remove window crank.
Using a trim stick, remove screw cover from switch panel.
Remove screws attaching switch panel to door trim.
Remove power accessary switch from door trim Front Door Switch Panel
Disconnect power switch from wire connector.
If equipped, using a small, flat bladed pry tool, remove memory seat/mirror switch and disconnect wire connector Memory Seat/Mirror Switch
If equipped, remove screw holding door trim to door panel from behind inside latch release handle.
Disengage clips attaching door trim to door frame around perimeter of panel Front Door Trim Panel
Lift trim panel upward to disengage flange from inner belt molding at top of door.
Tilt top of trim panel away from door to gain access to latch linkage.
Disengage clip attaching linkage rod to inside latch release handle Inside Door Handle Linkage
Separate linkage rod from latch handle.
Remove front door trim panel from vehicle.
INSTALLATION
Hold top of trim panel away from door to gain access to latch linkage.
Place linkage rod in position on latch handle.
Engage clip to hold linkage rod to inside latch release handle.
Place front door trim panel in position on door.
Install trim panel into inner belt molding at top of door.
Install clips to attach door trim to door frame around perimeter of panel.
If equipped, install screw to attach door trim to door panel behind inside latch release handle.
If equipped, connect power switch into wire connector.
Place power accessary switch in position on door trim.
Connect wire connector into memory seat/mirror switch and install switch into trim panel.
Install screws to attach accessary switch panel to door trim.
Install screw cover into switch panel.
If equipped, install window crank.
If equipped, install screws to attach trim panel to door inside map pocket.
If equipped, install screw to attach door pull cup to inner door panel.
If equipped, install screws to attach door assist handle to inner door panel.
Connect wire connector into courtesy lamp.
Install lamp in door trim.

Here is a common way to remove your door pannel:

1st, find the screw that is attaching the inside door handle (looks like an armrest) to the door panel. remove this screw. there is also a screw located at the door lever (the device you use to open the door from the inside). remove this screw. after this, slide your door panel up to remove it.

Remove front door handle bezel screw cover Remove inside handle bezel screw Remove inside handle bezel Lift upward on the rear of the front door inside handle bezel Disconnect electrical connector Remove handle screw cover
Remove handle screw Remove door trim panel upper screw Remove door trim panel lower screw Remove door trim panel (pull the door trim panel outward to release the pin-type retainers)Remove front door sail panel
Disconnect mirror electrical connector Remove 3 exterior mirror nuts and exterior mirror

REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION Trim Panel —Front Door, Expedition Removal

1. NOTE: Release the top portion first.
   Remove the sail panel.

1. Remove the window regulator switch plate (14524).

1. Disconnect the electrical connectors.

1. Remove the upper door trim panel screw.

1. Remove the door trim panel screw at the window regulator switch plate opening.

1. Remove the door trim panel screw in the courtesy lamp housing.
   1. Remove the courtesy lamp lens.
   1. Remove the screw.

1. Remove the inside door handle trim cover.

1. Remove the inside door handle.
   • Remove the bolt.

1. CAUTION: To avoid damage to the front door trim panel, do not pull directly outward.
   Lift upward and then outward to remove the front door trim panel (23943).

1. Remove the courtesy lamp and socket.

1. Disconnect the power mirror electrical connector.

Installation

1. Connect the power mirror electrical connector.

1. Install the courtesy lamp and socket.

1. Install the front door trim panel.

1. Install the inside door handle.
   • Install the bolt.

1. Install the inside door handle trim cover.

1. Install the door trim panel screw in the courtesy lamp housing.
   1. Install the screw.
   1. Install the courtesy lamp lens.

1. Install the door trim panel screw at the window regulator switch plate opening.

1. Install the upper door trim panel screw.

1. Connect the electrical connectors.

1. NOTE: If a new trim panel is required: Some new trim panels have a cut out opening for the window switchplate that is larger than that on the original trim panel. When installing a new trim panel, install the window switchplate in the following sequence to make sure that the switchplate is secured fully into the door trim panel.
   Install the window regulator switchplate.
   • Insert the rear switchplate clip into the trim panel opening.
   • Install the forward and side clips into the trim panel opening.

1. NOTE: Install the lower portion first.
   Install the sail panel.

FRONT DOOR TRIM PANEL - REMOVAL
Release door latch and open door.
Roll window down.
Remove window crank Window Crank - Typical , if equipped.
Remove screws attaching trim panel to door Door Trim Panel and Trim Panel Screw
CAUTION: Do not forcibly pull trim panel from door, damage to trim panel may occur.

Simultaneously lift upward and outward to release retainer steps from inner door panel Trim Panel Retainer
Disengage inside handle linkage rod from inside handle.
Disconnect speaker harness wire connector Speaker And Power Mirror Connector
Disengage power mirror wire connector, if equipped (driver's side only) Speaker And Power Mirror Connector
Disengage clips attaching power window/lock switch panel to door trim panel. Disengage wire connector from switch panel, if equipped Power Door Lock/Window Connector
Separate door trim panel from vehicle.
INSTALLATION
Position trim panel at door.
Engage wire connector for window/lock switch panel, if equipped. Engage clips attaching power window/lock switch panel to door trim panel.
Engage power mirror wire connector, if equipped.
Connect speaker harness wire connector.
Engage inside handle linkage rod to inside handle.
Align trim panel retainer steps with inner door panel and slide trim panel into place.
Install screws attaching trim panel to door.
Install window crank, if equipped.

Hope helped with this; remember rated this help. Good luck.

Remove the sail panel,the little panel on inside of door at the mirror.
Remove the window regulator switch plate, pry up on the front of it with a small pick or screw driver. Disconnect the electrical connectors.
Remove the top door trim panel screw that is behind the sail panel you removed.
Remove door trim panel screw at window regulator switch plate opening.
Remove door trim panel screw in the courtesy lamp housing. Remove the courtesy lamp lens.Remove the screw.
Remove the inside door handle trim cover.
Remove the bolt.
Remove the inside door handle.
Lift upward to remove the front door trim panel.
Remove the courtesy lamp.
Turn the courtesy lamp bulb socket one quarter turn and remove.
Disconnect the power mirror electrical connector.
Remove the three outside rear view mirror nuts.
Remove the mirror.

behind the inside door handle by removing the inner cover you well find two screws remove them by the inside grab handle on the door there is a small rubber mat remove the mat on the upper right corner is a trim piece it just pops off once the screws and trim is removed use a small screw driver and go below the door panel and wedge it between the panel & door and pull back on the screw driver until you here a pop the door panel is held on by plastic clips :caution--when removing the panel DO NOT YANK ON THE DOOR PANEL. THE INSIDE DOOR HANDLE IS STILL ATTACHE D TO THE DOOR PANEL. if you dont unhook this cable before removing door panel you will break the plastic end of the cable if you break this you will have to replace the cable then this well involve removing the latch because the cable is hooked inside the latch hope this helps

Most Japanese cars have inside panels with plastic twist screws mounted along the side edges of the door panels. After un-screws the hardware, you need to slide your fingers on the edges of the inside door panels and slowly pry it off. Follow the pattern around the edge and work little bit at a time to get around the door panel. Don't forget any wire cable harness and connectors which usually connect inside the door. You need to remove them to be able to remove the inside door panel completely. Once it is removed, you can then work to fix the lever for the door handle from the inside.


good luck