Offy

I searched for tips on removing the door panels but failed to find anything. It looks like there was a post explaining it as there is reference to one but I cannot bring it up. Has anyone got an explanation of this procedure? Thanks

ChevyMgr

2007 Chevrolet HHR | HHR (VIN A) Service Manual | Document ID: 1607990
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Front Side Door Trim Panel Replacement



Callout
Component Name

1 Front Side Door Armrest Pull Cup Liner

2 Front Side Door Armrest Pull Cup Screws (Qty: 2)

Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.

Tighten
3 N·m (25 lb in)

3 Front Side Door Inside Handle Cover

4 Front Side Door Inside Handle Screw

Tighten
3 N·m (25 lb in)

5 Front Side Door Trim Panel

Tip

Remove Push-in retainer on trailing/back edge of the door trim panel.
Use a J 38778 Door Trim Pad Clip Remover to aid in the removal of the side door trim panel.
Disconnect the inside door handle linkage.

6 Door Trim Panel Retainer Clips (Qty: 9)

Tip
Disconnect the electrical connectors.

Hope that pic is not too small. If it is I can email a word document to you. Send me a PM with email address.

prod

I gave this a try today and couldnt get it off. I removed the 3 screws and push pin on the rear edge. I managed to pull the topmost clip out above the mirror mount, but as hard as I pulled, couldnt get any more unclipped.
Do I just pull the rest straight out? Is the panel hooked over the top edge by the window?

MikeloftyHHR

If you could forward me a larger drawing I would really appreciate it!

ChevyM84

do you actually have to buy a clip remover??????? my speakers in the back stopped working and i im trying to twke the back door panels off but cant.....a 08 VW GTI is easier to get the doors panels off....no tool needed

ChevyMgr

A tool worth having. It also is a mean azz weed popper.

prod

You will need something to pry the door panel out a little until you can get your fingers under it. Once you get a hold of it, you can pull it off by hand, after removing the fasteners according to the diagram from ChevyMgr of course.

zip

I would suggest you pull open the snaps at the bottom and then undo the snaps up the sides. Once all the snaps are undone the panel lifts up. There are clips across the top that hook on to the door. As mentioned you may need something to pry the panel to get the first snap to open. I was able to get all the snaps to open without breaking any and I didn't have any special tool. I used a flat screw driver. It does take a fair amount of pressure.

ChevyMgr

Once you break the retaining area for door panel clips on the inside of the door panel, it can't be fixed. Now if you only break one, maybe no big deal. But if you break more you're are going to have a loose door panel that rattles.

If a dealer/repair shop did this, it would be posted that they are brainless twits, and everyone would jump on the bandwagon of slamming the dealer/repair shop for being idiots and unprofessional.

If you are going to work on a vehicle then buy the tools you need to do the job correctly.

zip

Here is a link to a little clearer picture.

http://www.justanswer.com/view_image...009_131004.jpg

You can purchase sets of retainer snaps on ebay fairly cheaply if you do break some. I'm not a mechanic I was just trying to help. I will not offer anymore advice.