Rear glass actuator

[Stargazer67]

'99 Blazer LS 2dr. Got hit from behind a month or so ago, they hit the exterior-mounted spare tire and I didn't notice any damage at that point.

More recently I went to open the back glass and it won't open. I can hear the release mechanism going through the motions, but it won't release the glass. In looking further I found that the spare tire gate had indeed crunched the tailgate inwards, right at the gate's latch point (which is just under and slightly to the left of the rear glass release button).

I got the dent popped back out somewhat...I wasn't sure if the dent was limiting the actuator's travel in some way. Didn't help. The mechanism sounds the same as it always has, it just isn't letting the glass go (even if you pull on the glass at the same time you push the button). Not sure if the two are even related, just that they did occur closely in time.

My Haynes is no help on how to get to the actuator, nor how to get the glass to release manually if the actuator quits. The question is - can you get to it via the inside, without also being able to open the glass/tailgate? I don't want to start disassembling the interior trim if it either can't be done without the gate/glass open, or if it won't give me access to the actuator. Thanks in advance - very glad I found this forum!

[hackman_vw]

My friend has a 95 Blazer (I THINK ITS ABOUT THE SAME DESIGN), with a problem very close to yours.

His is from shutting the window to hard (or age) I donno which.

the fix:

Crawl thru the front to the rear of the truck, Remove the two screws on the gate release handle (they are underneath the handle, two philips)

gently pull on the plastic panel by the release handle, it will come out about 4 inches, it should be enough if you have a small arm (which I have.) I wedged a plastic 20oz bottle between the rear gate and the inner plastic panel, to keep the plastic held out, don't over stress the plastic it will break if its old enough, look down from the window hatch about 5 inches or so and notice the 2" x 3" opening, there is a lever in there that is moved by the actuator, and a piece of plastic (which is what my friends truck needs, if someone has a part number or aftermarket please advise) but if you reach in to that access panel, there is a slide that moves from right (looking at the gate from the inside) to left, moving it to the left (Opens the window)

Apon opening the window, remove the plastic bottle, and open the rear gate hatch, when the hatch is open there are two screws one on the left side of the gate, and on the right side.

I hope this helps you out, remember: don't overstress the plastic, strip out the screws, or break the window...

THIS WEBSITE nor ME will be held responsible for injuries and/or damage from the above information, use common sense.. Thanks J.

Originally Posted by Stargazer67

'99 Blazer LS 2dr. Got hit from behind a month or so ago, they hit the exterior-mounted spare tire and I didn't notice any damage at that point.

More recently I went to open the back glass and it won't open. I can hear the release mechanism going through the motions, but it won't release the glass. In looking further I found that the spare tire gate had indeed crunched the tailgate inwards, right at the gate's latch point (which is just under and slightly to the left of the rear glass release button).

I got the dent popped back out somewhat...I wasn't sure if the dent was limiting the actuator's travel in some way. Didn't help. The mechanism sounds the same as it always has, it just isn't letting the glass go (even if you pull on the glass at the same time you push the button). Not sure if the two are even related, just that they did occur closely in time.

My Haynes is no help on how to get to the actuator, nor how to get the glass to release manually if the actuator quits. The question is - can you get to it via the inside, without also being able to open the glass/tailgate? I don't want to start disassembling the interior trim if it either can't be done without the gate/glass open, or if it won't give me access to the actuator. Thanks in advance - very glad I found this forum!

[BlazerLT]

Just lightly pull out while you hit the window popper.

Of give a light tap with the side of the fist to give it a shake to loosen it.

[JoulesWinfield]

It sounds to me like that little plastic connector is damaged. If thats the case you can fanagle it open like hackman suggests and just replace it. Otherwise at least get a look in there to see if there is any interference from the accident damage. I would suggest getting a small adjustable mirror from an autoparts store and a good flash light to look inside that area.

[mikencharlottenc]

I just went through this problem and fixed mine today. If the gate and glass are closed you have to crawl inside to open the tailgate. If you are looking at the glass from the inside there is a lever on the left side of the lock. I took a small pry bar or screw driver to pry the plastic cover away from the locking mechanism. Took my finger to feel down there for a piece of metal about 2-3 inches wide and about 1-2 inches down. The bar is running horizontally. Push down with your finger or with a small screw driver and it will unlatch the glass window from the tailgate. Once that is opened take the plastic cover off the tailgate then take the metal cover off the tailgate and you will see the actuator. I took 2 cable ties and tied the actuator and the lever together and it seems to work fine for now. Good luck

[werbz]

I will be performing the operation on my 01 Blazer tonight or later this weekend... I'm going to try to take as many pics as possible and document then throw it back up here. Some kind of effort to try to thank the people before me and helpt he people after.

[werbz]

Originally Posted by mikencharlottenc

I just went through this problem and fixed mine today. If the gate and glass are closed you have to crawl inside to open the tailgate. If you are looking at the glass from the inside there is a lever on the left side of the lock. I took a small pry bar or screw driver to pry the plastic cover away from the locking mechanism. Took my finger to feel down there for a piece of metal about 2-3 inches wide and about 1-2 inches down. The bar is running horizontally. Push down with your finger or with a small screw driver and it will unlatch the glass window from the tailgate. Once that is opened take the plastic cover off the tailgate then take the metal cover off the tailgate and you will see the actuator. I took 2 cable ties and tied the actuator and the lever together and it seems to work fine for now. Good luck

Lots of pics and instructions on what I needed to do on my Blazer 01...

http://s90009340.onlinehome.us/blazer_hatch/

Any issues or suggestions email me -- I don't check this forum often.

[brnhornt]

Originally Posted by werbz

Lots of pics and instructions on what I needed to do on my Blazer 01...

http://s90009340.onlinehome.us/blazer_hatch/

Any issues or suggestions email me -- I don't check this forum often.

This thread has been asleep for a while so I know I'm going out on a limb on this. I too have a 01 Blazer with the same problem as werbz. I tried to follow his/her steps. Got the two screws that hold the handle in place off and thus the handle. But no matter how hard I pull and pull I can't get the plastic to budge. I have to be doing something wrong here....I've pulled hard enough to cut my hands and it still won't budge. I tried to email werbz but he has emails disabled. Anyone have any thoughts?

Thanks!
Kevin

[bigjohnsons34]

Same thing happened to my 95, the actuator worked but the little plastic piece connecting it together broke and the dealer makes you buy it together.so it glued mine together and with some metal wire I drilled holes in either sides of the cracked piece and twisted the wire tight to give it extra support and it worked fine, it's been holding strong for about 6 months...good luck

[brnhornt]

Originally Posted by bigjohnsons34

Same thing happened to my 95, the actuator worked but the little plastic piece connecting it together broke and the dealer makes you buy it together.so it glued mine together and with some metal wire I drilled holes in either sides of the cracked piece and twisted the wire tight to give it extra support and it worked fine, it's been holding strong for about 6 months...good luck

Any thoughts on what I might be doing wrong trying to get the stupid plastic panel pulled back?