How to Remove the Inside Door Panel on a Chevrolet Aveo
by Jody L. CampbellThere are a number of reasons why you may need to remove the interior door panel on your Chevy Aveo. Faulty door locks and window cranks were common when the vehicle was first introduced on 2002. The South Korean GM Daewoo Company designed, manufactured and exported the model to the U.S. and other countries. Most interior car panels have a relatively universal removal procedure, but they all vary slightly.
Step 1
Open the door containing the panel you wish to remove and roll the window all the way down.
Step 2
Locate and remove the three retaining screws on the bottom of the interior door panel with the Phillips head screwdriver.
Step 3
Remove the door handle retaining screw using the Phillips head screwdriver.
Step 4
Locate the round plastic cap near the arm rest. Pry it off with the flat head screwdriver to reveal another retaining screw. Use the Phillips head screwdriver to remove the screw.
Step 5
Push the door panel inward carefully using the flat end of the flat head screwdriver near the door crank handle. (Proceed to Step 6 for power windows.) While applying inward pressure to the door panel, a small retaining clip holding the crank handle will be revealed as it expands by the inward pressure. Use the small hook-shaped pick to pry off the retaining clip. Remove the window crank and the plastic retaining tab behind it.
Step 6
For power windows, pry the window control module off of the arm rest with the interior pry tool and unplug the wire harness connections beneath it. Check for another retaining screw under the window control module.
Step 7
Remove the triangular black molding covering the side-view mirror by gently prying it off with the interior panel pry tool. Be careful not to break it.
Step 8
Pry the outer edges of the door panel away from the door frame. There are plastic clips positioned in seats underneath and you will hear them popping out of place as you pry the panel away from the door.
Step 9
Lift the door panel upward once all the retaining clips have been unseated. Be aware of the manual door lock (if applicable). Manipulate the door panel off of the door handle.
Step 10
When reinstalling the door panel, align the manual door lock (if applicable) correctly before applying pressure to the retaining clips and their seats.
References
Things You'll Need
- Flat head screwdriver Phillips head screwdriver Interior panel pry tool Small hook shaped pick
Warnings
- With side-impact air bags now integrated with some of the new Chevy Aveos, be sure to refer to the owner's manual before attempting to remove an interior door panel.
Writer Bio
Jody L. Campbell spent over 15 years as both a manager and an under-car specialist in the automotive repair industry. Prior to that, he managed two different restaurants for over 15 years. Campbell began his professional writing career in 2004 with the publication of his first book.
