This automotive maintenance tutorial was specifically written to assist owners of the second generation (2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005 & 2006) GM Chevrolet Tahoe SUV in removing the plastic interior door panels in order to upgrade the OEM speakers, add soundproofing material, fix a faulty electrical switch or change a broken power window motor.

Owners of other General Motors GMT800 series SUV or truck vehicles such as the Chevy Silverado, Suburban, Avalanche, GMC Yukon, Sierra, Hummer H2 and the Cadillac Escalade may also find these DIY instructions to be helpful.

The tools needed to remove the door panel include a flathead screwdriver, a plastic automotive panel removal pry tool, a 10mm socket, a 7mm socket, an extension bar, a 1/4" drive ratcheting wrench and a Torx T20 star bit screwdriver.

Move to the top inner corner of the door panel and gently pull off the triangular shaped sail panel.

Then gently pry out the plastic door lock switch with a plastic automotive panel removal tool.

Pry out the bezel trim piece that surrounds the door opener handle.

Move to the middle inner edge of the door panel and pry out the plastic pop rivet friction fastener.

Remove the screw located behind the door lock switch by turning it counterclockwise with the 7mm socket and ratcheting wrench.

Set the screws aside in a safe place.

Then remove the screw by turning it counterclockwise with a Torx T-20 star bit screwdriver.

Set the screw aside with its plastic cap.

Lift the door panel straight up to disengage the hooks.

Tilt the top edge of the door panel towards yourself while supporting the bottom edge with your legs.

The largest electrical connector has a tricky release mechanism.

Pivot the grey plastic locking tab away from the wires to unlock the connector.

The switch panel is held in place to the door panel by a single 7mm screw on the underside near the front edge and a few plastic clips along the sides.

Set the plastic door panel aside in a safe place.

To release the old speaker from the door frame, press down on the metal tab at the top edge and pull it straight out.

The OEM door speakers can be replaced with aftermarket speakers in the following sizes: 5 1/4" (5.25") and 6 1/2" (6.5").

I'd recommend purchasing new speakers from Crutchfield since they usually include any necessary wiring harnesses, electrical connector adaptors and / or mounting brackets.

If you'd like to reduce road noise, make your car quieter and improve the sound from your speakers, I'd recommend installing some Dynamat Sound Deadener on the metal door frame.

To replace the door panel, hold it near the door frame and tilt the top edge towards yourself.

Push in the small black plastic electrical connector for the courtesy step light near the bottom of the door panel.

Push in the other electrical connectors in to their slots on the bottom of the switch panel.

Lower the door panel down on to the door frame while guiding the plastic hooks in to their slots.

Replace the 7mm screw at the bottom edge of the door panel by turning it clockwise.

Replace the short 7mm screw behind the door lock switch by turning it clockwise.

Gently pop the door lock switch back in to place.

Replace the 10mm bolt behind the door opener handle and tighten it in the clockwise direction.

Push the plastic screw cap over the Torx T-20 screw at the middle outer edge of the door panel.

Gently push in the bezel trim piece around the door opener handle.

Sit inside the SUV, close the door and verify that the door opener handle, courtesy step light, door lock switch, power window switch and power door lock switches all still work properly.

For more, check out my other 2000-2006 GM Chevrolet Tahoe DIY Repair & Maintenance Guides.