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Chevrolet Traverse Door Panel Removal Guide
How to remove the interior door panels of a 2009-2012 GM Chevy Traverse crossover with picture illustrated steps.

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Traverse Front Door Panel
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Door Handle Trim Panel
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Pry Out Trim Piece
This automotive "how-to" guide was specifically written to assist owners of the 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 & 2016 GM Chevrolet Traverse crossover SUV in removing the interior door panels in order to upgrade the OEM speaker, add soundproofing material or replace the power window motor.

Owners of other General Motors vehicles from GMC, Saturn, Buick, and Cadillac such as the Acadia, Terrain, Sierra, Yukon, Savana, Outlook, Verano, Regal, Lacrosse, Encore, Enclave, Spark, Sonic, Cruze, Malibu, Impala, Camaro, Equinox, Tahoe, Suburban, Colorado, Avalanche, Silverado, ATS, XTS, CTS, SRX, and Escalade may also find these DIY instructions to be helpful.

The tools needed to remove the door panel include a small flathead screwdriver, a Torx T30 star bit screwdriver and a pair of needle nose pliers.

To remove the door speaker, you'll need a 7mm socket with a ratcheting wrench.



 
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Trim Piece Removed
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Door Pull Trim Panel
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Trim Panel Removed
In order to remove the door panel, you'll first need to remove two trim panels and three Torx size T-30 screws.

The first screw is located behind the door handle trim piece. Pry out the trim piece with a small flathead screwdriver by inserting the blade into the notch at the top. Then remove the screw behind it with a Torx T30 star bit screwdriver.

Set aside the trim panel and screw in a safe place.

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Remove Torx T-30 Screw
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Remove 2 Other T30 Screws
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Trim Panels & 3 Screws
The other two screws are hidden by a trim cover by the door pull handle and below the arm rest.

Pry out the door pull trim panel by inserting the blade of the flathead screwdriver into the notch at the bottom.

Remove the two Torx T-30 screws behind the trim panel and set them aside in a safe place.

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Pull At Bottom of Panel
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Pull Off Sail Panel At Top
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Lift Up Door Panel
Move to the bottom edge of the panel and gently pull it away from the door frame to release the plastic friction fasteners.

You might need to use a plastic automotive panel removal tool to disengage the pop rivets.

Release the friction retaining clips all around the door panel by gently pulling each side away from the door frame.

Lift the door panel straight up and off the door frame.

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Door Opener Cable
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Unplug Power Connectors
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Release 2nd Power Plug
Angle the door panel towards yourself.

Press the release buttons on the green and grey power connectors to remove them from their sockets.



 

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Squeeze Plastic Collar
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Pull Out Door Cable
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Swing Out - Remove Ball
The cable attached to the door opener handle needs to be removed by first squeezing the black plastic collar with needle nose pliers.

Then pull the plastic collar out of the end of the bracket. Swing the cable out until the metal ball can be lifted out of the socket.

Pull the door panel away from the door frame and set it aside in a safe place.

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Door Panel Removed
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OEM Front Door Speaker
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Remove 7mm Screws
To remove the OEM door speaker, take out the 7mm screws. If you plan on re-using the OEM bracket, take out the four 7mm screws around the edge of the speaker.

If you plan on using a new bracket for a larger speaker, just take out the single 7mm screw at the top of the speaker bracket.

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Pull Off OEM Speaker
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Release Power Plug
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Install 5.25, 6.5 or 6.75"
The OEM door speakers can be replaced with aftermarket speakers in the following sizes: 5 1/4" (5.25"), 6 1/2" (6.5") or 6 3/4" (6.75").

I'd recommend ordering from Crutchfield since they usually include any needed power plug adapters or mounting brackets.

To help reduce road noise and make your new speakers sound better, apply some Dynamat Sound Deadener to the metal door frame. It will stop vibrations and rattles when you crank up the volume.

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Insert Metal Ball
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Snap In Plastic Collar
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Plug In Power Connectors
To replace the door panel, first hold it near the door frame.

Insert the metal ball at the end of the door opener cable into the socket. Then insert the plastic collar into the bracket until it snaps in place.

Plug in the green and grey power connectors.

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Hang Door Panel On Frame
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Line Up Friction Fasteners
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Push Edges of Panel
Lift the door panel up and hang it on the top edge of the door frame.

Line up the white plastic friction fasteners on the sides and bottom of the door panel with their corresponding holes in the metal door frame.

Push the fastener clips into the door frame by firmly tapping each edge of the door panel.

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Insert Door Handle Screw
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Door Pull / Arm Rest Screws
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Replace Door Pull Trim
Insert the Torx screw behind the door opener handle and tighten it with the Torx T30 screwdriver. Snap the trim piece in to place.

Replace the two Torx screws behind the door pull handle and below the arm rest. Tighten them with the T30 screwdriver.

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Trim Panel Replaced
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Replace Door Handle Trim
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Front Door Panel Replaced
Snap the door pull trim piece back into place.

Verify that the power window switch, power door lock switch, and the door opener handle all work properly.

For more, check out my other Chevrolet Traverse Repair & Maintenance Guides.
 

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