95 Liftgate Won't Open

[LL_Baker]

I'm having the same problem with my '96 Blazer. How do you get the rear panel off when the liftgate won't open?

[ZL1power69]

This has been covered a few times. I assume you have the tailgate/glass hatch and not the liftgate. The problem occurs when the plastic clip connecting the electric accuator to the linkage breaks. The actuator still works but is no longer connected to the linkage to open the glass. You can't get the panel off with the tailgate closed because there is a screw on each end of it that are only accessable when the tailgate is down. Your only option without destroying the panel (unless those two screws are missing, then the panel will come off) is to carefully peel back the capet insert. There is an access hole in the metal panel that you can use to get at the latch and release the glass. Then remove the pastic and metal panel to access the actuator. You have two options: either get a replacement clip from a junk yard (with the possibility of the problem happening again) or go to the dealer and get the updated actuator and clip (part # 15139675, $70).

BTW, this thread is over 3 years old now. please refrain from bringing back old threads.