Removing fixed panels of sliding door

Question

I need to replace the track and roller assemblies on our sliding glass door. To remove the sliding panel I believe I need to remove the fixed panels. I cannot figure out how to remove those panels. As shown in the attached photos there is no "play" between the fixed panels and the vinyl track. I'm unable to lift the panels to pop them over the outside lip of the bottom track. Do you have any suggestions?

I did try to lift the sliding panel up and out toward the inside of the building. Even with the rollers fully retracted, the door will no clear the inside of the track.

The door assembly was installed around the year 2000. The tracks are vinyl. The stiles and rails of the fixed and movable panels appear to be aluminum. The access holes for the adjustment screws for the roller assemblies are on the inside of the bottom rail.

Thanks for your assistance.
-Tim

Dave Sr. · Accepted Answer

This is definitely a weird one. As an educated guess, you should check to see if the upper and lower tracks between the two stationary doors are removeable. I'm wondering if you have a type of track that snaps in between the two stationary doors to keep them fixed. I'm not 100% sure but try using a small flat bar and see if you can pry out that track between the two stationary doors. Just be carful not to damage the track or the doors in the process.