This may be a long introduction but I wanted to provide full disclosure. I am by no means a mechanic, but I've taken apart interiors and doors and done plenty of work on my previous cars.
After hours of searching google and forums I was unable to find this information anywhere. So I got in there and did this myself. Let me start off by saying that this is not worth doing yourself for 80% of people out there and I won't do this again. I will either go to the dealer OR do the alternative repair which is to solder the wires from the old unit to the new. I read this as a solution for another ATS/CTS owner and I'd recommend it as the route to go for most people who want to fix this themselves. Just disconnect your battery and then solder away (seal the wires well!). As always, all repairs are at your own risk, and I am not responsible. I am merely sharing my experience.
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Step 1: Remove Window Switches, access screws
This is easy enough. Make sure you have a trim tool set (as shown, blue).
Start by finding the edge (between the arm rest and hard plastic) of the rear window switch area. This plastic piece will pop up and out toward the front of the car (remember at re-assembly to slide in toward the back of the car before snapping into place). Remove the window switch wiring.You will now see two screws where the door grab handle was. Remove those.
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Step 2: Remove door handle cover, access screws
Behind the door open handle there is a cover. Along the back edge you will see a slot to fit a tiny flathead. Pry this open to reveal another screw. Be carful with your screw driver not to damage the plastic. Remove this screw behind the cover.
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Step 3: Remove door panel
Pry the edge of the panel away from the metal portion of the door. It takes some strength, don't worry. Worst case scenario you need to replace plastic clips, cheap and easy to come by. I recommend prying from the bottom first as if you damage something it is less visable. There are many clips around the perimeter, feel it out.
Once you pop these out, remove the door panel by sliding up and away. Don't pull it all they way off, you will need to follow the next step before it will come off completely.
There is an upper trim that goes around the sides and upper part of the door. I removed this partially to get access.
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Step 4: Latch wire and other wiring
You will now see the back of the door panel. Disconnect any wiring by way of the connectors.
The door pull wire will disconnect by pinching the plastic piece to release. You then move the wire away from its housing, and then the ball will lift out of its spot. I only have a picture of the connector and ball. You will see how it connects while in the door. Take a picture for reference for yourself if you need to. You will reassemble the same way you took it apart.
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Step 5: Liner
There is a soft liner that is glued to the metal portion of the door. You can slowly pry this away to reveal the opening. I only removed the upper half to gain access. It will reglue as it's pretty tacky. Don't rip it! Be gentle.
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Step 6: Outer door handle
This is easy. Pull the door handly, you will see a torx screw. Remove it carefully. Then the light fixture will slid toward the back of the car and then out away. It will now seperate into 3 pieces. The light and wiring is the black piece. The push button and then clear visable outer door handle. You will see the wiring that goes into the door. You cannot pull this out. Don't try (it's still connected!).
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Step 7: Accessing the connector
This is where is gets brutal. The connector is behind a second layer of metal from the first layer you see. It's between the door outer skin and this. Pretty much paralell to where the window would drop down into. I've taken a picture of the wiring clips and the hole you will use for access and vision. Remove the rubber gromet to see into the hole.
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At this point I recommend a flashlight to see what's going on, and get your hand in there to feel around. On your own or with some help, move the outer wiring and feel where its moving on the inside of the door with your other hand. This will give you a good idea of how its all put together as this is all out of site!
There is a black connector you will see in the hexagonal hole in the pictures. Gentle use a screwdriver or pliers to pinch the black connector to remove the wire from the metal panel.
Deeper inside at an angle (pictured) you will see a similar white connector. This connector is actually party of the housing the you will eventually plug into! Use a screwdriver again to gently pry out this connector away from you.
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After hours of searching google and forums I was unable to find this information anywhere. So I got in there and did this myself. Let me start off by saying that this is not worth doing yourself for 80% of people out there and I won't do this again. I will either go to the dealer OR do the alternative repair which is to solder the wires from the old unit to the new. I read this as a solution for another ATS/CTS owner and I'd recommend it as the route to go for most people who want to fix this themselves. Just disconnect your battery and then solder away (seal the wires well!). As always, all repairs are at your own risk, and I am not responsible. I am merely sharing my experience.
Step 1: Remove Window Switches, access screws
This is easy enough. Make sure you have a trim tool set (as shown, blue).
Start by finding the edge (between the arm rest and hard plastic) of the rear window switch area. This plastic piece will pop up and out toward the front of the car (remember at re-assembly to slide in toward the back of the car before snapping into place). Remove the window switch wiring.You will now see two screws where the door grab handle was. Remove those.
Step 2: Remove door handle cover, access screws
Behind the door open handle there is a cover. Along the back edge you will see a slot to fit a tiny flathead. Pry this open to reveal another screw. Be carful with your screw driver not to damage the plastic. Remove this screw behind the cover.
Step 3: Remove door panel
Pry the edge of the panel away from the metal portion of the door. It takes some strength, don't worry. Worst case scenario you need to replace plastic clips, cheap and easy to come by. I recommend prying from the bottom first as if you damage something it is less visable. There are many clips around the perimeter, feel it out.
Once you pop these out, remove the door panel by sliding up and away. Don't pull it all they way off, you will need to follow the next step before it will come off completely.
There is an upper trim that goes around the sides and upper part of the door. I removed this partially to get access.
Step 4: Latch wire and other wiring
You will now see the back of the door panel. Disconnect any wiring by way of the connectors.
The door pull wire will disconnect by pinching the plastic piece to release. You then move the wire away from its housing, and then the ball will lift out of its spot. I only have a picture of the connector and ball. You will see how it connects while in the door. Take a picture for reference for yourself if you need to. You will reassemble the same way you took it apart.
Step 5: Liner
There is a soft liner that is glued to the metal portion of the door. You can slowly pry this away to reveal the opening. I only removed the upper half to gain access. It will reglue as it's pretty tacky. Don't rip it! Be gentle.
Step 6: Outer door handle
This is easy. Pull the door handly, you will see a torx screw. Remove it carefully. Then the light fixture will slid toward the back of the car and then out away. It will now seperate into 3 pieces. The light and wiring is the black piece. The push button and then clear visable outer door handle. You will see the wiring that goes into the door. You cannot pull this out. Don't try (it's still connected!).
Step 7: Accessing the connector
This is where is gets brutal. The connector is behind a second layer of metal from the first layer you see. It's between the door outer skin and this. Pretty much paralell to where the window would drop down into. I've taken a picture of the wiring clips and the hole you will use for access and vision. Remove the rubber gromet to see into the hole.
At this point I recommend a flashlight to see what's going on, and get your hand in there to feel around. On your own or with some help, move the outer wiring and feel where its moving on the inside of the door with your other hand. This will give you a good idea of how its all put together as this is all out of site!
There is a black connector you will see in the hexagonal hole in the pictures. Gentle use a screwdriver or pliers to pinch the black connector to remove the wire from the metal panel.
Deeper inside at an angle (pictured) you will see a similar white connector. This connector is actually party of the housing the you will eventually plug into! Use a screwdriver again to gently pry out this connector away from you.
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