How do you remove the driver's door panel on a 1998 Chevrolet Malibu?

Answer

First, remove the "sail panel". The sail panel is the small triangle shaped thing located toward the front of the door (towards the front end). To remove this, pry the top off first. The top is held by a clip that pulls straight out, but it can be tough and the plastic holding the clip may break. The bottom of the sail panel is held by two small clips. Push the ends together to release these clips. Next, remove the torx bolt behind the door handle. Then pry the front of this piece out, then slide this piece toward the front to detach. Next, pry off the small cover behind the fixed door handle. Remove the two bolts behind this cover. Finally, pry off the door panel itself. Start with the bottom corner and work arount the bottom and the sides. Then pull the panel up to remove it completely from the door.
I suggest that the sail panel is located next to the window just above the upholstered part of the door panel and it comes off easier if you gently pry the side next to the window.
Also I found the using two putty knives worked well as prys starting from the rear lower corner of the door and then using your fingers as you work across the bottom and then up the sides to gently pull the panel away from the door.

Otherwise the above answer is excellent.

First answer by ID1126738791. Last edit by Wikirobert. Contributor trust: 19 [recommend contributor]. Question popularity: 78 [recommend question]