How do you remove the round interior panel clips without damaging them? I may need to remove a few to access some wiring as well as remove a few plastic interior panels. I think a small screwdriver will damage them. Not sure what tool is used here but its a common clip on these cars doesnt have the insert push clip that expands.
Need to remove the top plastic panel with 4 round press in clips without scarring or damaging any of the plastic as im trying to see how bad the rear defrost wire is and going to replace it with new wire. really dont want any scratches on the panels and what round wire is that that tucks under the driver side a pillar the antenna cable thats supposed to go to the front windshield on the base model c5 with no antenna? See pictures im trying to access the rear defrost main wire is down to the copper in some areas and real thin its under that plastic panel with the round push clips i dont want to damage. Ive had a "rear defrost relay circuit" code since ive owned the car and want to try to fix it i think that may be the issue is the main power wire to window is bad still making contact but want to remove panel and splice new coil wire for defrost look much better and maybe get rid of that code.

Also what is the second bear braided cable wire thats run next to what looks like an antenna wire to the 99 windshield on base models. I seen another thread where someone said it was for a condensation sensor not sure but the braided wires comes out infront of rear view mirror with what i think is the antenna wire from the a pillar to same one prong spade connector on windshield. My father has an 02 corvette body base auto similar to mine hes trying to make a project car with the what looks like antenna on the top edge and cable prong to it. Sad thing my windshield has been replaced i think with thinner style windshield no antenna made into it or whichever before i bought it and 3 months ago a hail storm came thru here in texas very rare and put two nicks in my 99 windshield would do alot of damage to liability only cars. A windshield installer said it was cheaper to buy a replacement windshield vs using a parts car windshield in reference to removing and swapping blown motor parts car 08 9-5 saab windshield into the 2006 9-5 saab thats my brothers daily driver with a pretty decent 1ft size spider web crack in it.

So how to remove the round clips on top panel or even door edge panels for when i remove dash to replace actuators i dont want to damage the nice looking round clips or scar the plastic with a screwdriver to access the bad rear defrost power wire the two ground wires to the struts are in good condition and help me conclude that is antenna wire tucked under a pillar to front window prong and other braided cable is for something else or a ground? Dont think antenna has ground but ive heard of 1970 or judge gto having antenna in front windshield. You can see cable in pillar picture and in mirror picture with the other cable just curious what theyre both for.

 

Cannot help you with that windshield wire but every automotive store usually carries "trim removal" tools to pop out those little plastic christmas trees, or to help remove panels, carpet, etc.

harbor freight cheapie trim removal tool kit

 

Wonder if they are plastic as to not scar the few interior panels that are there in nice condition. Im willing to bet a screw driver will mess them up and backwards flares of the clips locks the panels into place. Not sure if they can be reused multiple times. Ill have too look into it really do want to get that rear defrost wire replaced that rubber over the coily sectioned turned brittle and left bare copper. I have a small flathead that may work but dont want to scar that panel as its nice looking from inside the car. Perhaps a plastic floss pic may work but i bet theyre in there tighter then i think. I removed one i think by hand barely this morning was the one on the door front plastic trim seal.
Will have to wait till i get 17$ or the 20$ to order that specific rear hatch defrost wire. Its the only thing i see wrong that could cause a "rear defrost relay circuit" not being complete by bare thin exposed copper wire to power the rear hatch would read a faulty circuit or voltage. Only happens or shows up under HVAC when i hit the rear defrost button.

 

Use small screwdrivers (including computer screwdrivers) and place electrical tape over the blade.