GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Special Tools

J 38778 Door Trim Pad Clip Remover

Removal Procedure

    Warning: Refer to SIR Warning in the Preface section.


    Object Number: 1455769  Size: SH

    Warning: If the energy absorbing foam breaks while you are removing or installing the headliner, use a NEW headliner. If you do not replace the damaged headliner, future personal injury is possible.

    Warning: Do not attempt to repair or alter the head impact energy-absorbing material glued to the headliner or to the garnish trims. If the material is damaged, replace the headliner and/or the garnish trim. Failure to do so could result in personal injury.

    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 Region 2" and SIR Disabling and Enabling Region 6 .
  2. Remove the windshield pillar garnish moldings. Refer to Windshield Pillar Garnish Molding Replacement.

  3. Object Number: 2017985  Size: SH
  4. Remove center pillar garnish molding. Refer to Center Pillar Garnish Molding Replacement and Lower Garnish Molding Replacement - Center Pillar .

  5. Object Number: 2017986  Size: SH
  6. Remove the rear sail panels. Refer to Sail Panel Replacement.
  7. Remove the rear assist handles. Refer to Assist Handle Replacement.
  8. Remove the clothing catch. Refer to Clothing Catch Replacement.

  9. Object Number: 2017988  Size: SH
  10. Disconnect the electrical connectors from the left rear quarter panel.

  11. Object Number: 2017989  Size: SH
  12. Disconnect the right rear quarter panel electrical connectors (3, 4).

  13. Object Number: 708358  Size: SH
  14. Remove the sun visor. Refer to Sunshade Replacement.
  15. Note: The sunshades are secured to the headliner with a 2-piece retainer clip/spacer (2).

  16. Ensure that the plastic retainer on each side is retrieved as the headliner is lowered.
  17. Note: Note the size and location of the retainers for installation.

  18. Remove the fasteners for the sunshade rod retainers.
  19. Remove the front and rear overhead console. Refer to Console Replacement -- Overhead .
  20. Disconnect the electrical connectors for the inside rearview mirror.
  21. Remove the rear vanity mirror. Refer to Vanity Mirror Lamp Replacement.

  22. Object Number: 2017991  Size: SH
  23. Use J 38778 to disconnect the plastic retainer securing the headliner to the roof panel above the overhead console.
  24. With the aid from an assistant, remove the headliner through the right front door.
  25. Place the headliner upside down on a clean protected surface.

Installation Procedure

  1. Position the new headliner upside down, on a clean protected surface.
  2. Install the rear vanity mirror. Refer to Vanity Mirror Lamp Replacement.
  3. Install the front and rear overhead console. Refer to Console Replacement - Overhead .

  4. Object Number: 1456180  Size: SH
  5. Install the assist handles and loosely install the fasteners in the integral retainer clips in order to hold the handles into position. Refer to Assist Handle Replacement.

  6. Object Number: 708358  Size: SH
  7. Install the clothing catch. Refer to Clothing Catch Replacement and loosen the mounting fasteners.
  8. Install the sunshades to the headliner. Refer to Sunshade Replacement. Loosely install the fasteners. Connect the electrical connectors.
  9. Install the sunshade rod retainers. Loosely install the fasteners.

  10. Object Number: 2017991  Size: SH
  11. Ensure the electrical harnesses are visible prior to installation. With the aid of an assistant, carefully place the headliner to the roof.
  12. Position and align the yellow push-in retainer to the net hole located in roof panel above the overhead console.
  13. Apply moderate hand pressure to the overhead console in order to seat the push-in retainer.
  14. Caution: Refer to Fastener Caution in the Preface section.

  15. Secure both side assist handles in order to hold the headliner in place.
  16. Tighten
    Tighten the assist handle screws to 9 N·m (80 lb in).

  17. Install the assist handle bezel covers.
  18. Fasten the clothing catch screws.
  19. Tighten
    Tighten the screw to 2 N·m (18 lb in).


    Object Number: 734907  Size: SH
  20. Tighten the left and right sunshade bezel fasteners.
  21. Tighten
    Tighten the outer sunshade bezel fasteners to 2 N·m (18 lb in).

  22. Secure the sunshade rod retainer.
  23. Tighten
    Tighten the screw torque to 2 N·m (18 lb in).

  24. Connect the electrical connector to the inside mirror.

  25. Object Number: 2017989  Size: SH
  26. Connect the right rear electrical connectors.

  27. Object Number: 2017988  Size: SH
  28. Connect the left rear panel electrical connectors.

  29. Object Number: 2017986  Size: SH
  30. Install the rear sail trim panel. Refer to Sail Panel Replacement.

  31. Object Number: 2017985  Size: SH
  32. Install center pillar garnish molding. Refer to Center Pillar Garnish Molding Replacement and Lower Garnish Molding Replacement - Center Pillar.

  33. Object Number: 1455769  Size: SH
  34. Install the windshield pillar garnish molding. Refer to Garnish Molding Replacement - Windshield Pillar .
  35. Enable the SIR system. Refer to SIR Disabling and Enabling Region 2 and SIR Disabling and Enabling Region 6 .