Anyone else have this issue with this panel?

pepepeter · 01-01-2013, 11:57 PM

Hi Folks,

I've had this issue for quite sometime. It seems as though overtime, this panel has lifted and is no longer flush with the body. The left side is worse and was once replaced under warranty (during the sudden acceleration fiasco). Just thought I share this info with the rest and get idea of others have /are experiencing the same.

Freedom55 · 01-02-2013, 06:20 AM

I broke a few push-in clips that hold this panel while installing my backup camera because they have to be removed from the inside of the door and I did it from the outside...They break easily as the plastic is brittle and they are costly!

**JuneBug** · 01-02-2013, 02:52 PM

Remember, this is a plastic panel attached to the metal door. Compare with mine:

dtalk · 01-02-2013, 05:58 PM

I had the same thing happen that freedom55 had when I installed backup cam. I just use some screws in place of the cheap plastic tabs and all is well.

pepepeter · 01-03-2013, 01:38 AM

Agh i see. But ive never touched or removed this panel. And yes was fully aware it is a plastic panel, noticed when it was replaced by dealer who also informed me that its mounted via clips. Nice to hear that screws can be used in place of the clips. Does this mean when the dealer installed the new panel they broke the clips and thats why they couldnt achieve a flushed install? Still puzzled how the original panel began to lift off. I guess frok junebug assessment given that its plastic should be expected to occur at some point, at least thats 2 of us (assuming junebug never experienced broken clips as well).

Dr. Dyno · 01-03-2013, 08:10 AM

I haven't had the issue but your RAV4 is the right color.

Would seem to me (also a PSU

alumnus) that if clips were broken the panel would be somewhat loose and could be pushed or pulled in the misaligned areas.

Scout706 · 01-03-2013, 12:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pepepeter

Agh i see. But ive never touched or removed this panel. And yes was fully aware it is a plastic panel, noticed when it was replaced by dealer who also informed me that its mounted via clips. Nice to hear that screws can be used in place of the clips. Does this mean when the dealer installed the new panel they broke the clips and thats why they couldnt achieve a flushed install? Still puzzled how the original panel began to lift off. I guess frok junebug assessment given that its plastic should be expected to occur at some point, at least thats 2 of us (assuming junebug never experienced broken clips as well).

Print Junebug's photos, return to your dealer, and insist that they restore your vehicle to its proper condition.

dtalk · 01-03-2013, 04:33 PM

Pepepeter, from your picture it looks like it was installed to high. Look closely at your rear window seal, the panel is over the seal. Not good, it needs to be align right, clips might still be good. You can do this yourself, take off tire and door mount then see if you can re-seat it.

**JuneBug** · 01-03-2013, 08:30 PM

I think Dtalk is onto something here. The red panel does seem to be sitting too high when compared to my silver panel. They must have installed it wrong.

RTexasF · 01-03-2013, 09:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dtalk

Pepepeter, from your picture it looks like it was installed to high. Look closely at your rear window seal, the panel is over the seal. Not good, it needs to be align right, clips might still be good. You can do this yourself, take off tire and door mount then see if you can re-seat it.

Sharp eyes! It is indeed too high. Incorrect installation is likely the culprit.

01-02-2013, 06:20 AM	#2 (permalink)
Freedom55 Senior Member Country: Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Greater Montreal, Quebec Posts: 295 Thanks: 4 Thanked 10 Times in 10 Posts Feedback Score: 0 reviews	I broke a few push-in clips that hold this panel while installing my backup camera because they have to be removed from the inside of the door and I did it from the outside...They break easily as the plastic is brittle and they are costly! __________________ 2012 Sport V6 Classic Silver no option 1999 Lexus RX300 Pearl White base gone 1972 Corolla 1200 Yellow 4 speed manual long gone Others too many to mention!

01-02-2013, 05:58 PM	#4 (permalink)
dtalk Advanced Member Country: Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: WA Posts: 537 Thanks: 11 Thanked 26 Times in 16 Posts Feedback Score: 0 reviews	I had the same thing happen that freedom55 had when I installed backup cam. I just use some screws in place of the cheap plastic tabs and all is well. __________________ I believe in safety, education, and enforcement, not banning, ignorance, and blame.

01-03-2013, 08:10 AM	#6 (permalink)
Dr. Dyno Advanced Member Country: Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Eastern CT Posts: 2,839 Thanks: 73 Thanked 127 Times in 123 Posts Feedback Score: 0 reviews	I haven't had the issue but your RAV4 is the right color. Would seem to me (also a PSU alumnus) that if clips were broken the panel would be somewhat loose and could be pushed or pulled in the misaligned areas. __________________ Fred __________________ 2006 RAV4 V6 4WD Red Limited 2006 Accord V6 Hybrid - quick as the RAV but +8 mpg 1999 F-250 4X4 Diesel - snow plow, Bully Dog chip 2001 F-250 4X4 Diesel - truck camper, TS chip, 20' bike/trike dyno trailer 2004 Suzuki DRZ-400S Dual Sport It's the pedal (or the handgrip) on the right!!

01-03-2013, 04:33 PM	#8 (permalink)
dtalk Advanced Member Country: Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: WA Posts: 537 Thanks: 11 Thanked 26 Times in 16 Posts Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Pepepeter, from your picture it looks like it was installed to high. Look closely at your rear window seal, the panel is over the seal. Not good, it needs to be align right, clips might still be good. You can do this yourself, take off tire and door mount then see if you can re-seat it. __________________ I believe in safety, education, and enforcement, not banning, ignorance, and blame.

01-03-2013, 08:30 PM	#9 (permalink)
JuneBug Your Humble Administrator Country: Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Baton Rouge, LA Posts: 8,983 Thanks: 37 Thanked 625 Times in 517 Posts Feedback Score: 0 reviews	I think Dtalk is onto something here. The red panel does seem to be sitting too high when compared to my silver panel. They must have installed it wrong. __________________ James __________________ 2008 Limited V6 2WD "The Silver Bullet" •Tow Prep •Autodim mirror w/compass •Wade deflector •Weathertech visors •BluLogic Bluetooth •QuickLift hood struts •Auto door locks • (((XM))) radio •Homelink •Unswitched 12V outlets

01-03-2013, 01:38 AM	#5 (permalink)
pepepeter Senior Member Country: Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Phoenix Metro, AZ Posts: 380 Thanks: 29 Thanked 4 Times in 4 Posts Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Agh i see. But ive never touched or removed this panel. And yes was fully aware it is a plastic panel, noticed when it was replaced by dealer who also informed me that its mounted via clips. Nice to hear that screws can be used in place of the clips. Does this mean when the dealer installed the new panel they broke the clips and thats why they couldnt achieve a flushed install? Still puzzled how the original panel began to lift off. I guess frok junebug assessment given that its plastic should be expected to occur at some point, at least thats 2 of us (assuming junebug never experienced broken clips as well).

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