Trunk / Liftgate Handle: Service and Repair
HANDLE - OUTSIDEREMOVAL
1. Disconnect and isolate the negative battery cable.
2. Remove the liftgate trim panel.
3. Disconnect the liftgate wire harness connectors (1) and disengage the connector retainer from the lift-gate latch control (3).
4. Disengage the retainer clips that secure the linkage rods (2) to the latch control and disconnect the linkage rods.
5. Remove the two bolts that secure the latch control to the liftgate and remove the control.
6. Remove the four nuts (4 and 5) that secure the outside handle (1) to the liftgate (3).
7. To aid in removal of the outside handle, use a heat gun and apply heat to the wings of the handle to loosen the double sided adhesive tape.
8. Remove the outside handle from the liftgate. Rotate the handle as necessary to gain clearance for the lever pull arm (2).
9. Clean off all traces of adhesive or double sided tape from the liftgate panel with a general purpose adhesive remover.
INSTALLATION
1. Clean outside liftgate panel surfaces with isopropyl alcohol.
2. If the original liftgate outside handle (1) is being reused, remove the old adhesive tape from the outside handle and install new double sided adhesive tape onto the handle.
3. Remove the backing paper from the adhesive tape on the outside handle and position the outside handle onto the liftgate (3). Rotate the handle as necessary to gain clearance for the lever pull arm (2).
4. Install and press the outside handle securely onto the liftgate to ensure the adhesive fully adheres to the liftgate panel.
5. Install the four nuts (4 and 5) that secure the outside handle to the liftgate.
6. Position the liftgate latch control (3) to the liftgate and install the two retaining bolts. Tighten the bolts securely.
7. Connect the linkage rods (2) to the latch control and install the retainer clips. Make sure the retainer clips are fully engaged.
8. Connect the liftgate wire harness connectors (1) and engage the connector retainer to the control.
9. Reconnect the negative battery cable.
10. Verify liftgate lock cylinder and latch operation.
11. Install the liftgate trim panel.