On this 2000 Chevy Cavalier
convertible
I found it fairly easy to remove the door panel:
Remove six screws, pry the panel from the door,
and disconnect the power door lock wiring.
Using a Phillips
screwdriver I removed this screw and the side view
mirror cover.
Removing The Power
Mirror Control Knob:
I used a metric Allen wrench to back off the set
screw (green arrow) and released the side view mirror switch
knob from the cover.
Removing Manual Window Crank Handles:
This car had power
windows (the switches are on the center
console between the front seats). Many Chevy
Cavaliers have manual windows. For
information about removing similar door
panels with manual windows, read our
article about the
Saturn S door panel.
Then I removed the two Phillip screws fastening
the pull handle to the metal door shell.
I removed the
three Phillips screws from the bottom of the
plastic door panel.
Then I removed the Phillips screw from the side
of the plastic door panel.
I used a
rigid putty knife to release the snap clips
fastening the plastic door panel to the metal
door frame.
Then I pulled the door panel outward slightly
and upward to lift it off the metal lip at the top of the
door.
To disconnect
the electrical connector from power door lock
switch, I used my
finger to pull the release tab back (green
arrow).
At this point, the door panel was
completely separated from the car.
View of back side of the plastic door panel.
View of metal
door shell with dust cover.
Removing Side-View Mirror:
I used a small flat screwdriver to lift
the tab and release the wire connector to the
electric side view mirror.
Then using a
10mm socket, I removed the nuts securing the side
view mirror to the metal door frame.
I
recommend having a helper hold the mirror when
unbolting it, so it doesn't fall and scratch the
door.
