Plastic Cowl fastener removal

[TRWRacing]

Replacing the cabin air filter on a 2006 Monte Carlo. What do you use to remove the plastic fasteners that hold down the plastic cowling without mucking up the head of the fasteners? Needlenose pliers?

[Triple-X08]

i have a couple of tools i use, 1 being a trim panel retainer tool, mine is a snap on, has a crow foot at the end with a screw driver handle, and a bend in the tool shank, so its angled by the head to get leverage.

i also have a couple other tools, really each vehicle has special needs so the right tool for the job is key to remove them and have them work properly without destroying them.

other tools, i have a plier style tool that seats behind the head of the retainer, and then you pry out on it, also a couple of crow bar style tools, small in size, and also a spring loaded tool that when you squeeze it it applies force to pop it out.

christmas trees can be a pain, the style where you pop the inside head up and then remove the outer body housing are the easiest, which is more than likely which is what is on your cowl panel, others include some that release when you sink the center pin of the retainer in, found on newer cars in door and trim panels. easiest way to see one is the door panel of say a 07 malibu front door., look by the door latch. or a 07 tahoe, pop the rear liftgate glass and you will see a couple that hold the trim panel in place for the rear liftgate in place located by the liftgate glass latch striker.