What is this black circle in my door?

Hi all, very newbie question but I bought a used Tacoma and just noticed these plastic circles on both the passenger and driver's doors. Just a curious person and trying to figure out what they do.

Thanks!

 

Access hole plugs.

 

Thanks! What do people use the access hole for? Disassembly?

 

glory hole for removing the handle.

 

Super helpful thank you!

 

You don't want to know where the access hole goes.

 

I’ve seen PDR guys drill holes for access then put in a plug to make it look OEM

 

What is PDR? And is this plug not OEM?

 

Paintless Dent Removal. I cannot confirm or deny if that plug is OEM, not with my truck currently.

 

That one is factory.

 

Just looked at my 07 and I have those plugs on both sides. Mostly likely access hole plugs? Perhaps for the door mechanism since it’s right behind it.

 

it is to remove the door handle. I already posted the answer above. There is a torx bolt behind there if you’re curious

 

It’s a black circle

 

I hate it when they do that. Usually it's just them being lazy. Sometimes it's needed but it should be looked at as a last resort rather than a time saver. I found two of these holes in a car I bought from a dealership and they were plugged with caulking or something. I was pissed that I didn't notice when I inspected the car as I wouldn't have bought it had I known.

 

Which are an expensive option only on access cabs. Nice find op.

 

But time saving is exactly what PDR guys offer.. a cheaper alternative to expensive, time consuming body work

 

Like said,those are factory plugs. I'm a PDR tech,and I couldn't tell you the last time I drilled a hole. It was pretty prevalent 20yrs ago,but not now. If you get PDR done, ask first if they're going to drill.

 

Depends on your take. Many of us are not interested in PDR for time or money savings and are instead looking specifically NOT to have to go to the severity of painting.

All else the same, a vehicle with original paint is more valuable than one which has had panels painted. Difficult or severe PDR can cost more than paint work due to the labor and skill involved. But it can be worth it if you can get away without painting that panel and thus not devaluing the car. But if they drill a hole then all that goes out the window.