GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Tools Required

J 38778 Door Trim Pad and Garnish Clip Remover

Removal Procedure

  1. Remove the quarter panel swing-out window latch. Refer to Swing Out Window Replacement in Stationary Windows.
  2. Remove the C and the D pillar trim. Refer to Third Pillar Trim Replacement - Left Side or Trim Panel Replacement - D-Pillar Left.
  3. Remove the rear clip on the body side front lower trim panel. Refer to Body Side Front Lower Trim Panel Replacement .
  4. Remove the rear clips on the body side front trim panel, upper and lower. Refer to Body Side Front Lower Trim Panel Replacement and Body Side Front Upper Trim Panel Replacement .
  5. Remove the seat belt upper anchor. Refer to Front Seat Shoulder Belt Guide Adjuster Replacement in Restraints.
  6. Remove the cargo net bolt.
  7. Use the J 38778 in order to remove the clips that retain the panel to the vehicle.
  8. Pull the trim panel back from the body side panel.
  9. •  Remove the seat belt retractor from the body side panel. Refer to appropriate procedure in Seat Belts:
    •  Seat Belt Retractor Replacement - Left Front
    •  Seat Belt Retractor Replacement - Right Front
    •  Seat Belt Retractor Replacement - Right Rear
    •  Seat Belt Retractor Replacement - No. 2 Left Rear
    •  Seat Belt Retractor Replacement - No. 2 Right Rear
  10. Squeeze the storage tray from underneath and press out in order to remove the storage tray from the trim panel.
  11. Remove the trim panel from the vehicle.

Installation Procedure

  1. Install the panel to the vehicle.
  2. Install the retractor through the trim panel.
  3. Press the storage tray into place in order to install the storage tray to the trim panel.
  4. Install the seat belt retractor to the body side panel.
  5. Install the trim panel to the body side panel:
  6. 5.1. Align the retaining clips with the holes in the body.
    5.2. Press the panel in order to seat the fasteners into place.

    Notice: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.

  7. Install the cargo net bolt.
  8. Tighten
    Tighten the cargo net bolt to 2 N·m (18 lb in).

  9. Install the seat belt upper anchor.
  10. Remove the rear clip on the body side front lower trim panel. Refer to Body Side Front Lower Trim Panel Replacement .
  11. Install the rear clips on the body side front trim panel, upper and lower. Refer to Body Side Front Lower Trim Panel Replacement and Body Side Front Upper Trim Panel Replacement .
  12. Install the C and the D pillar trim. Refer to Third Pillar Trim Replacement - Right Side and Fourth Pillar Trim Replacement - Left Side .
  13. Install the quarter panel swing out window latch. Refer to Swing Out Window Replacement .