Trunk / Liftgate Switch: Service and Repair

Tailgate Outer Handle Switch Removal and Installation

Removal

1. Tailgate Lower Trim





1. Remove the bolts (A) securing the tailgate lower trim (B).





2. Pull out the tailgate lower trim (A) with the appropriate trim tool to release the clip pins (B) from the clip grommets (C) on the tailgate, and detach the clips (D), then remove the tailgate lower trim from the tailgate.

NOTE: The clip grommets will stay in the tailgate.

3. Remove the clip grommets from the tailgate.

2. Tailgate Upper Trim Panel





1. Carefully pry out the notch (A) in the tailgate upper trim (B) with the appropriate trim tool to detach the hooks (C) and the tabs (D) from the tailgate side trims (E), and pull back the tailgate upper trim panel by hand to detach the clips (F), then remove the tailgate upper trim panel.

3. Tailgate Side Trim - Both Sides





1. Detach the hook (A) and the tabs (B) from the tailgate lower trim panel (C), and pull back the tailgate side trim (D) by hand to detach the clips (E), then remove the tailgate side trim.

2. Repeat this step on the opposite side.

4. Tailgate Lower Trim Panel





1. Remove the screw (A), then remove the tailgate pull pocket (B).





2. Pull out the tailgate lower trim panel (A) by hand to detach the clips (B, C), then remove the tailgate lower trim panel.

5. Tailgate Outer Handle Switch





1. Disconnect the connector.

2. Remove the tailgate outer handle switch (A).

Installation

1. Tailgate Outer Handle Switch





1. Install the tailgate outer handle switch (A).

2. Connect the connector.

2. Tailgate Lower Trim Panel





1. Hold up the tailgate lower trim panel (A), and fit the clips into the holes in the tailgate.

2. Push on the trim until the clips (B, C) securely snap into place.





3. Install the tailgate pull pocket (A), then install the screw (B).

3. Tailgate Side Trim - Both Sides





1. Install the tailgate side trim (A). Make sure the hook (B), the tabs (C), and the clips (D) snap into place securely.

2. Repeat this step on the opposite side.

4. Tailgate Upper Trim Panel





1. Install the tailgate upper trim panel (A). Make sure the hooks (B), the tabs (C), and the clips (D) snap into place securely.

5. Tailgate Lower Trim





1. Install the clip grommets into the clip pins on the tailgate lower trim.

2. Hold up the tailgate lower trim (A), and fit all the clips (B, C) into the holes in the tailgate. Push on the trim until the clips securely snap into place.

NOTE: If the clip pins and the clip grommets are damaged or stress-whitened, replace them as an assembly with new ones.





3. Install the bolts (A).