2012 rear door panel removal help

[MCan56]

I followed this excellent door panel removal for my wife's 2012 Sport non-Bose, but I have run into a snag for the rear panels.

I can't remove the armrest trim panel. I got it started, and the first clip looks like the front door clips (kind of like a rounded V), but the second is not rectangular and does not want to pop out. It looks more like a screw is through it, as it is round and not rectangular. The trim piece bends almost 45 degrees before I give up...I feel like I'm going to break it. Is this armrest trim piece different than the fronts?

The only other difference I can see is that the little piece of carpet is removable in the door handle, and there is a screw underneath. Removing it doesn't seem to make a difference.

Any ideas? I can try to take a picture if I need to, although it might be difficult as I can only get one clip off.

 

[mzd]

If I can remember what I did the last time I removed my 012 CX-9, I think you do not need to pry the trim piece to get access to the screw like the front because there isn't a screw in there. You do need to remove the screw hidden under the carpet piece at the door handle. Then you just pull the panel the same way you do the front. If you try to pull the trim piece you will brake it! Don't do it.

 

[MCan56]

If I can remember what I did the last time I removed my 012 CX-9, I think you do not need to pry the trim piece to get access to the screw like the front because there isn't a screw in there. You do need to remove the screw hidden under the carpet piece at the door handle. Then you just pull the panel the same way you do the front. If you try to pull the trim piece you will brake it! Don't do it.

Aha! I didn't even think about just trying to pull the door panel off. I can't try it until tonight, but I will definitely do so. Thanks!

 

[HOLOHOLO]

Thanks for those repair URL's!

 

[MCan56]

No problem on the link, I found it extremely helpful...except the rear doors!

Thanks to MZD, I have now completed the 4 speaker replacement on my wife's sport! You do need to pop off the little corner panel (2 christmas tree clips), remove the carpet and the screw beneath, and remove the little panel & screw in the door handle/lock assembly. Then the door panel just pops off. Those darn christmas tree clips though- ugh! Every time about 3-4 get left behind.

The car now sounds excellent! I went with the 4 5x7 Infinity Kappa's as recommended, and the system sounds great! Very clear, with punchy bass. Best $147 I have spent on her yet!

 

[MCan56]

Oh yeah, another link I found very useful. http://www.modifiedlife.com/2008-mazda-cx9-car-radio-wiring-guide/

Since I couldn't find the proper wiring harness, I cut the factory one off and wanted to be sure I wired the speakers properly. I just tinned the speaker wires and inserted that into the Kappa dongle. I think it will work fine.

 

[kelrog]

Did you check the service manual? Link is in my sig. Pretty much the same layout for the 08 on the door panel.

 

[HOLOHOLO]

Kelrog - that page says the trim manual document does not exist.