Removing the Rear Passenger Door Panel on a 2000 Grand Am

The rear passenger door panel on a 2000 Pontiac Grand Am is an integral part of the door structure. This panel contains the door cup handle, electric switch panel and the safety reflector. The door panel is secured to the door skeleton with a number of fasteners, including plastic panel pins and steel screws. The panel fasteners and supporting trim panel pieces must be removed in a specific sequence to prevent damage to the panel and the door.

Instructions

Removal

1

Pry out the power window switch, if equipped, with a flat-head screwdriver. Disconnect the window switchs electrical connector. Locate the door trim panel screw near the switch bezel opening and remove it, using a Phillips screwdriver.

2

Remove the retaining clip on the window crank, if equipped, using a flat-head screwdriver. Remove the window crank from the window crank shaft. Pry out the door handle bezel, using a flat-head screwdriver. Remove the Phillips screw from the access hole inside the armrest pull cup, using a Phillips screwdriver.

3

Pry out the rear door warning reflector, using a flat-head screwdriver. Remove the trim panel screw through the rear door warning reflector hole, using a Phillips screwdriver.

4

Insert a trim panel stick between the door panel and the door. Pry around the perimeter of the door, using a trim panel stick, to separate the panel from the door. Remove the door panel.

Installation

5

Situate the trim panel so the retaining pins in the panel align with the holes in the door. Press down on the trim panel to seat the retaining pins. Tap around the perimeter of the door panel with a rubber mallet to completely seat the pins.

6

Reinstall the door trim panel screw through the reflector opening and tighten it to 89 inch-pounds, using a torque wrench. Replace the reflector and press it down until it snaps into place.

7

Reinstall the Phillips screw through the access hole inside the armrest pull cup and tighten it to 89 inch-pounds. Reinstall the door handle bezel and press it down until it snaps into place. Reinstall the window crank, if equipped, and press the window crank retaining clip onto the back of the window crank shaft until it snaps into place.

8

Reinstall the Phillips screw through the door switch bezel opening and tighten it to 89 inch-pounds. Reconnect the window switch panels electrical connector. Place the window switch into position and press it down until it snaps into place. Turn on the ignition and test the switches to make sure they work properly. Open and close the door to verify that the door panel is secure and it doesnt rattle or shake.