How to Remove a Door Panel on a Chevy Tracker

Having to remove the door panel on a Chevy Tracker may intimidate many do-it-yourself enthusiasts. Realigning a window on its track, replacing a power window motor, replacing a powered side-view mirror or replacing a speaker are all reasons why a door panel removal on the Tracker might be required. The problem is, the repair awaiting you underneath the door panel removal procedure may be much more difficult than the reason why you're removing the panel. The Chevy Tracker is equivalent to a Suzuki Grand Vitara, so repairs between the two are quite similar.

Things You'll Need

• Phillips head screwdriver
• Straight-edge screwdriver
• Small angled pry tool
• Retaining ring pliers (optional)

Instructions

1. Remove the manual door crank handle, if equipped with manual windows. Pry the handle slightly forward to reveal the retaining ring holding it to the door crank arbor. Use the retaining ring pliers to spread and then remove the ring. Slide the door crank handle off.

2. Unscrew the door lock button if equipped with manual door locks. Turn the plastic button counterclockwise to unscrew it from the lock shaft.

3. Locate and remove the two panel retaining screws. One is located in the hand cup of the arm rest and the other is located in the door handle bezel. Use a Phillips head screwdriver to remove the screws. If a panel plug is concealing the hand cup screw, pry it off with a straightedge screwdriver.

4. Gently pry away the window control module for power windows, if equipped, from the arm rest. Use the pry tool for leverage. Unplug the wire harness connections from beneath the module and then set it aside.

5. Remove the molding in the upper front corner of the door/window assembly covering the side-view mirror by prying it off of the door frame. Use the pry tool to gently unseat it.

6. Gently pry the bottom of the door panel away from the door frame using the small pry tool. Retaining snap-clips hold the door to the frame and need to be unseated from the retainers. Work your along the bottom and then up each side until the panel is free from the door frame. Stabilize the panel an inch or so away from the frame.

7. Reach behind the door frame and disconnect any other wire harness connections. Different year Trackers with different powered options may include harnesses for the power mirror and the speaker.

8. Disconnect the door handle rod from the door handle to disengage the door panel. Move the door panel 45 degrees to release the door handle mechanism from the panel and then remove the panel. Replacement of the panel requires reversing the procedure.

References

• Car Door Panel Removal