Chevy Cobalt Door Panel Removal

A Philips screwdriver is required to remove the three screws which hold the door in place. A flathead screwdriver is also needed to pry the panel off of the door as well as release the clips that hold the door into place. By obtaining some duct tape and putting it around the tip of the flathead screwdriver, you can greatly reduce the chance of damaging the hard plastic of the Cobalt's door panel. Lastly, you can purchase a door panel tool from a local hardware store to make removing the clips inside the door panel easier; however, it is possible to remove the door panel without it.

Removing the door panel from you Chevy Cobalt is best done while the door is open. The cover of the door handle, as well as the cover on the inside of the armrest, will need to be pried off in order to expose the screws inside. There are three screws on the inside in total that must be removed. There is also a series of clips all around the door panel, which can be removed by using the flathead screwdriver to pry off the door section by section or by using the door panel tool. Some year models of the Cobalt have a small plastic piece (connected to the mechanism that adjusts the rearview mirrors) which will need to be pried off as well.

While it is not necessary to purchase a door panel tool for this job, it may be a good idea, as the clips on the Chevy Cobalt are of fairly low quality and can break easily when using a flathead screwdriver to pry them off. If you choose to remove the door panel with a flathead screwdriver, start with the top right corner and work your way around the door clockwise. This will ensure that every clip is opened allowing the door panel to be easily removed. If during this process two or three of the clips break, the door panel will still clip on tightly despite the broken clips.