GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Center Pillar Garnish Molding Replacement Lower

Special Tools

J 38778 Door Trim Pad Clip Remover

Removal Procedure

    Warning: Refer to SIR Warning in the Preface section.


    Object Number: 2017996  Size: SH

    Warning: In order to prevent SIR deployment, personal injury, or unnecessary SIR system repairs, do not strike the door or the door pillar in the area of the side impact sensor (SIS). Turn OFF the ignition and remove the key when performing service in the area of the SIS.

  1. Disable the SIR system. Refer to SIR Disabling and Enabling.
  2. Remove the front carpet retainer. Refer to Front Side Door Opening Floor Carpet Retainer Replacement.
  3. Remove the rear carpet retainer. Refer to Rear Side Door Opening Floor Carpet Retainer Replacement.
  4. Carefully pull outward at the bottom of the pillar trim in order to use the J 38778 in order to release the 3 lower retainer clips.
  5. Replace the retainer clips if broken or damaged.

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 2017996  Size: SH
  1. Align the retainer on the trim panel with the hole on the lock pillar, push the trim panel inward to secure the center pillar garnish panel.
  2. Install the rear carpet retainer. Refer to Rear Side Door Opening Floor Carpet Retainer Replacement.
  3. Install the front carpet retainer. Refer to Front Side Door Opening Floor Carpet Retainer Replacement.
  4. Enable the SIR system. Refer to SIR Disabling and Enabling.

Center Pillar Garnish Molding Replacement Upper

Removal Procedure

    Warning: Refer to SIR Warning in the Preface section.


    Object Number: 2017999  Size: SH

    Warning: In order to prevent SIR deployment, personal injury, or unnecessary SIR system repairs, do not strike the door or the door pillar in the area of the side impact sensor (SIS). Turn OFF the ignition and remove the key when performing service in the area of the SIS.

  1. Remove center pillar lower garnish molding. Refer to Center Pillar Lower Garnish Molding Replacement.
  2. Loose the retainer clip, pull outward the upper part of the center pillar upper trim garnish molding, slide downward the center pillar upper garnish molding so as to loose the top locking tab between the sheet metal and the headliner.
  3. Remove the center pillar upper trim panel.
  4. Replace the retainer clips if broken or damaged.

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 2017999  Size: SH
  1. Position the upper garnish molding locking tab into the slot of the sheet metal under the headliner. Push the panel upward in order to secure it.
  2. Align the positioning locking tab on the upper trim panel with the hole on the lock pillar, push the trim panel inward to secure the center pillar upper garnish panel.
  3. Install the center pillar lower garnish molding. Refer to Center Pillar Lower Garnish Molding Replacement.