1999 Blazer - Broken Rear Hatch

[Shelbrain]

Does anyone know how to fix a rear hatch on a 1999 Chevy Blazer? I don't even know how to get at it. I push the button and the window usually opens, but now nothing.

[GMMerlin]

You will need to remove or particially remove the rear panel to get to the mechanism (this will be difficult if you can't get the door open)
If you can pull back the panel enough to release the hatch by hand, then you can open the door and remove the panel completly.
If I remember right, you can just pull up the top of the panel and roll it back just a bit.

[Shelbrain]

I can get the back door open, but I can't open the window in the top half. What part would I need to replace once I get the panel off. Is getting the panel off easy (I didn't see any screws).

[duongladdee]

I have a 1997 Blazer LS and the same thing has happened to me!

It worked when we were at the store loading groceries, but would not open when we got home. I can't afford to take it in and I believe I could fix it myself, if I just knew how to get at the latch? I can't open the bottom (tailgate part) without opening the hatch (glass) first. I mean, it does unlatch from inside the car, but the glass holds it up. Is this the same for you as well? I thought maybe the carpeted panel came off, but when I tried the edges it's all glued.

dee

Originally Posted by Shelbrain

I can get the back door open, but I can't open the window in the top half. What part would I need to replace once I get the panel off. Is getting the panel off easy (I didn't see any screws).

[Shelbrain]

Yes, that is the problem I am having. I cannot take the carpeted part off to remove whatever is broken.

[mobzs]

a flat tip screwdiver, phillips screwdriver and your hands is all you need to open both the glass and hatch. i just replaced the lock on my hatch this weekend. work the flat tip on the glass latch you will be able to release the catch and open the glass. now with that out of your way, grab the center of the trim piece and pull back an inch(any further and you'll break it just like i did). stick you flat tip in the gap and with a downward motion push the lever. there is only one lever that will move up\down. that will get your tail gate open. there are 6 phillip screws(if it's like mine) and the trim piece comes off. then there is a cover plate over the all the good stuff the bolts are metric. that should give you access to what you need to do. hope this helps.

[golf32902]

one word......... EBAY

[bfln8bv]

Fixed it! To open the hatch, use an allen wrench. From inside the car, take the allen wrench and insert it between the glass and the panel just LEFT (looking from inside) of the locking mechanism. Turn the allen wrench so that the "L" is pointing toward the front of the car and push down. What you are doing is pushing down on a lever that releases the catch. Its pivot point is about 1 1/2 inches from the mechanism toward the right side (left if inside looking back at the hatch) From the pivot point, the lever extends to the just behind the latching mechanism, so there;'s plenty of lever to get the allen wrench to rest on, then push down - glass should open.

Then remove the handle for the tail gate, and one screw on each side of the tail gate to remove the panel. Once out, lift the panel from the top of the tail gate, there are clips (3 or 4) that are made to pull out.

Then remove the metal cover on the panel, 8 or 10 tap bolts. You'll see a broken blue plunger. Take off the remains of the blue plastic, peel back the rubber on the solenoid and take a cable tie from the plunger to the butterfly mechanism that trips the latch. Any problems, email me with your phone number. You may email me on two different days because my spam filter will put your mail in my junk folder. I reveiw, but don't always pick up legitimate emails.