GenVibe - Community for Pontiac Vibe Enthusiasts

Any techniques/advice for removing the interior trim panel for the hatch? I was trying to install some different LED license plate lights, and ended up dropping one of the bulbs into the hatch. I stuck my arm through the opening in the center of the panel that allows you to change the license plate lights, but I couldn't find the thing... I'm afraid I won't be able to find the bulb without taking off the panel. I'm really hoping I can retrieve this thing, if not I'll be stuck with a rattle forever.

Could not keep a fellow Do It Yourselfer hanging! I have in front of me the GM service manual procedure. I got it from the GM Elec. Serv. Manual site dealers use and could not figure out how to post it. Anyway, it lists a special tool we make J-38778, to disengage the fasteners. Being that we make many tools, I am not familiar with this tool or know what it looks like at the moment. Possibly the job could be done without the tool, I do not know. Although fasteners may break if done without it. You could also try an auto parts store for a universal tool. The procedure just states use tool to disengage fasteners. It does not state how many there are or point to where on the door. Let me know if you want the procedure and I can fax it. If you want the tool I can sell it to you at my cost and they are in stock. Probably not unless you do a lot of trim work.

The rear hatch trim can be removed just by pulling on it. The clips will pull out. I have removed mine before and thats all that needs to be done. There are no screws. You might need to wedge something in to help get a good grip, but that's it.

Usually on the vehicles I have worked on if you can get a couple of fingers under the panel and pull, they will come off.

Yep, that's just what I'm talkin about.

Thanks for the help folks! I'm going to give it a shot tomorrow. May try to find something sturdy and flat to wedge down in there. I tried just pulling it off the other day, but that didn't go so well. I'll keep ya posted! Let's hope for no broken clips, or the trim itself, during the process.

I've got red bulbs in place of my liscense plate bulbs Looks neat. Even the police notice it when they pulled me over (removed). You'd think a red light in the rear of the car would be alright but noooooo cops arn't ever satisfied unless all lights are the correct colors.

I'm surprised they haven't picked on me yet for my white LED's I have in there. Yeah, they're white, but somehow end up looking kinda purple. lol

Thanks for the advice guys, I was able to retrieve that rascal this morning! She put up a fight, but in the end, I won - at least I think I did.