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For 1990-2009 cars only

Rear Side Door Trim Panel Replacement Pontiac

Removal Procedure

Tools Required

J 38778 Door Trim Pad Clip Remover

  1. Remove the switch plate. Refer to Door Lock and Side Window Switch Replacement .
  2. Remove the courtesy lamp. Refer to Door Lamp Replacement in Lighting Systems.

  3. Object Number: 398393  Size: SH
  4. Remove the lock rod knob by pulling the knob straight out and unsnapping the knob from the lock rod.
  5. Pry in the notch on the handle cup cover in order to remove the handle cup from the handle bezel.
  6. Pry the rear edge of the handle bezel in order to remove the handle bezel from the door trim panel.
  7. Remove the armrest applique.
  8. Insert a small, thin-bladed tool at the front of the applique in order to release the retaining clip.


    Object Number: 398393  Size: SH
  9. Remove the fastener through the courtesy lamp opening.
  10. Remove the fastener at the top of the armrest handle.
  11. Remove the trim panel from the door.
  12. Insert the J 38778 between the trim panel outer edges and the door in order to disengage the trim panel retaining fasteners.

  13. Remove the trim panel.

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 398393  Size: SH
  1. Align the trim panel fasteners and the retainer sealing strip.
  2. Push on the outer edges of the trim panel in order to fasten the trim panel to the door.
  3. 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.

  4. Install the fastener at the top of the armrest.
  5. Tighten
    Tighten the fastener to 1.8 N·m (16 lb in).

  6. Install the fasteners through the courtesy lamp opening.
  7. Tighten
    Tighten the fastener to1.8 N·m (16 lb in).

  8. Install the armrest applique.

  9. Object Number: 398393  Size: SH
  10. Install the inside handle bezel.
  11. Install the fastener that fastens the inside handle bezel.
  12. Tighten
    Tighten the fastener to 1.4 N·m (12 lb in).

  13. Install the inside handle cup.
  14. Install the lock rod knob.
  15. Install the courtesy lamp. Refer to Door Lamp Replacement in Lighting Systems.
  16. Install the switch plate. Refer to Door Lock and Side Window Switch Replacement .

Rear Side Door Trim Panel Replacement Buick

Removal Procedure

Tools Required

J 38778 Door Trim Pad and Clip Remover


    Object Number: 398396  Size: SH
  1. Remove the switch plate. Refer to Door Lock and Side Window Switch Replacement .
  2. Remove the retaining fasteners (1) from the switch plate opening.
  3. Release the retaining tab on the courtesy lamp.
  4. Use a small, thin-bladed tool.

  5. Remove the courtesy lamp.
  6. Disconnect the electrical connector.
  7. Remove the retaining fastener (4) through the courtesy lamp opening.
  8. Remove the door lock switch bezel. Refer to Door Lock Switch Replacement .
  9. Release the trim panel retainers.
  10. Insert the J 38778 between the outer edges of the trim panel and the door.

  11. Remove the trim panel.
  12. Remove the wiring harness from the trim panel.

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 398396  Size: SH
  1. Install the wiring harness to the trim panel.
  2. Align the trim panel to the door.
  3. Install the trim panel to the door.
  4. Push on the outer edges of the trim panel.

  5. Install the door lock switch bezel. Refer to Door Lock Switch Replacement .
  6. 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 retaining fastener (4) through the courtesy lamp opening.
  8. Tighten
    Tighten the fastener to 1.8 N·m (16 lb in).

  9. Connect the courtesy lamp electrical connector.
  10. Install the courtesy lamp to the trim panel.
  11. Install the retaining fasteners (1) through the switch plate opening.
  12. Tighten
    Tighten the fastener to 1.8 N·m (16 lb in).

  13. Install the switch plate. Refer to Door Lock and Side Window Switch Replacement .

Rear Side Door Trim Panel Replacement Oldsmobile

Removal Procedure

Tools Required

J 38778 Door Trim Panel and Garnish Clip Remover.


    Object Number: 398398  Size: SH

    Caution: Unless directed otherwise, the ignition and start switch must be in the OFF or LOCK position, and all electrical loads must be OFF before servicing any electrical component. Disconnect the negative battery cable to prevent an electrical spark should a tool or equipment come in contact with an exposed electrical terminal. Failure to follow these precautions may result in personal injury and/or damage to the vehicle or its components.

  1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
  2. Remove the two retaining screws from the lower armrest bezel.
  3. Remove the trim panel insert. Refer to Rear Side Door Trim Panel Insert Replacement .
  4. Release the trim panel retainers between the door and the trim panel. Use the J 38778 .
  5. Lift the trim panel upward.
  6. Disconnect the electrical connectors.
  7. Remove the trim panel (2).

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 398398  Size: SH
  1. Align the trim panel to the door.
  2. Connect the electrical connectors.
  3. Install the trim panel to the door (2).
  4. Push on the outer edges of the trim panel in order to secure.

  5. Install the trim panel insert. Refer to Rear Side Door Trim Panel Insert Replacement .
  6. 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 two trim panel retaining screws.
  8. Tighten
    Tighten the fastener to 1.8 N·m (16 lb in).

  9. Connect the negative battery cable.