GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Removal Procedure

Tools Required

J 38778 Door Trim Pad and Garnish Clip Remover

  1. Remove the quarter trim panel. Refer to the following procedures:
  2. •  Rear Quarter Upper Trim Panel Replacement
    •  Rear Quarter Lower Trim Panel Replacement
    •  Rear Quarter Trim Panel Replacement
  3. Remove the center pillar trim panel. Refer to Center Pillar Lower Trim Panel Replacement and Center Pillar Upper Trim Panel Replacement .
  4. Remove the side upper garnish moldings from the windshield. Refer to Garnish Molding Replacement - Upper .
  5. Remove the left sound insulator. Refer to Front Fender Insulator Replacement in Body Front End.
  6. Disconnect the wire harness connectors from the headlining trim finish panel.
  7. Remove the wire harness from the headlining trim finish panel using the J 38778 .
  8. Remove the sunshades from the driver side and the passenger side. Refer to Sunshade Replacement .
  9. Remove the rail front assist handle. Refer to Assist Handle Replacement .
  10. Remove the rail rear assist handle (sedan only).
  11. Remove the rear courtesy lamps and the reading lamps from the driver and the passenger side rail. Refer to Roof Rail Rear Courtesy Lamp Replacement in Lighting Systems.
  12. Remove the high mounted stop lamps (Oldsmobile and Pontiac only). Refer to High Mount Stop Lamp Bulb Replacement .
  13. Remove the rear retainer from the headlining trim finish panel using the J 38778 (Buick only).
  14. Remove the front courtesy lamps and the reading lamps from the driver and the passenger side rail. Refer to Lighting Systems.
  15. Remove the front compartment screws from the roof. Access the screws through the rail front courtesy and reading lamp opening.
  16. Remove the headlining trim finish panel.

Installation Procedure

  1. Install the headlining trim finish panel.
  2. 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.

  3. Install the front compartment screws to the roof. Access the screws through the rail front courtesy and reading lamp opening.
  4. Tighten
    Tighten the screws fully driven, seated, not stripped.

  5. Install the front courtesy lamps and the reading lamps to the driver and the passenger side rail. Refer to Lighting Systems.
  6. Install the rear retainer to the headlining trim finish panel (Buick only).
  7. Install the high mount stop lamp (Oldsmobile and Pontiac only). Refer to High Mount Stop Lamp Bulb Replacement .
  8. Install the rear courtesy lamps and the reading lamps to the driver and the passenger side rail. Refer to Roof Rail Rear Courtesy Lamp Replacement in Lighting Systems.
  9. Install the rail front assist handle. Refer to Assist Handle Replacement .
  10. Install the rail rear assist handle (sedan only).
  11. Install the sunshades to the driver and the passenger side. Refer to Sunshade Replacement .
  12. Install the wiring harness to the headlining trim finish panel.
  13. Connect the wire harness connectors to the headlining trim finish panel.
  14. Install the left sound insulator. Refer to Front Fender Insulator Replacement in Body Front End.
  15. Install the side upper garnish moldings to the windshield. Refer to Garnish Molding Replacement - Upper .
  16. Install the center pillar trim panel (sedan only). Refer to Center Pillar Lower Trim Panel Replacement and Center Pillar Upper Trim Panel Replacement .
  17. Install the quarter trim panel. Refer to the following procedures:
  18. •  Rear Quarter Upper Trim Panel Replacement
    •  Rear Quarter Lower Trim Panel Replacement
    •  Rear Quarter Trim Panel Replacement