AC window latch removal

So I broke this AC window latch where it is circled in the pic. on the side that is attached to the door. To replace it I would probably have to remove the plastic panel. Does anyone know how it attaches to the door? Am I just going to have to unscrew something? Trying to get a feel before I start digging in too deep.

 

Yup, been there, done that, multiple times.

You have two options:

1. Replace the little metal joint in there by hammering out the tension pins on both sides (which is arguably safer/easier with the assembly out, scAmazon has replacement joints for that part)
2. Replace the entire latch, which may only be available in biege these days

Yes, two bolts are holding it in place under the plastic. You should remove the entire plastic surround, although you could get away with only popping the upper half free.

To remove the door panel, there's a screw in the cup in the door, and another inside the handle trim. You need to pop off the handle trim. I like to start popping the door with a plastic door tool at the bottom rearmost corner. Here are Crutchfield's instructions, pic is worth 1,000 words:

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I think replacing these is a rite of passage on the AC trucks. I just don't allow anyone to open them anymore.

 

Thank you all. This helps a ton.

 

My son broke his on his Tacoma. You can buy the little coupler made of aluminum rather than plastic. Pressing the roll pin can be difficult with the door panel in place so most recommend removing

 

I did it in place using a small c clamp with a short drift on the top, with a small socket on the bottom side and pressed it out, and then back in with the new aluminium piece. The only hard part was to get it all aligned before the clamp was snugged up. A second set of hands would have helped immensely, always in short supply around here.