GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Chevrolet 🢒 1998 🢒 Metro 🢒 Body and Accessories 🢒 Body Rear End 🢒 Liftgate Replacement

Removal Procedure

    Caution: Unless directed otherwise, the ignition and start switch must be in the OFF or LOCK position, and all electrical loads must be OFF before servicing any electrical component. Disconnect the negative battery cable to prevent an electrical spark should a tool or equipment come in contact with an exposed electrical terminal. Failure to follow these precautions may result in personal injury and/or damage to the vehicle or its components.

  1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.

    2. Object Number: 350633 Size: SH
  2. Raise and suitably support the liftgate (8).
  3. Remove the following components from the vehicle:
    4. • The 9 plastic retaining clips
    • The liftgate interior trim panel (4)
  4. Disconnect the following electrical connectors, if equipped:
    5. • The rear wiper motor
    • The rear defogger
    • The center high-mounted stoplamp
  5. Remove 4 screws which secure each speaker to the liftgate (8), if equipped.
  6. Lower the speakers.
  7. Disconnect the electrical connector from each speaker.

    8. Object Number: 350640 Size: MH
  8. Remove the grommet from the upper right side of the liftgate.
  9. Feed the wires (3) through the opening.
  10. Remove the washer hose (4) from the upper left side of the liftgate, if equipped.

    11. Object Number: 350642 Size: SH
  11. Remove 2 screws (4) from each support (3).
  12. Lower the supports (3).

    13. Object Number: 350633 Size: SH
  13. If the original liftgate (8) is to be reinstalled, mark the position of the hinges on the liftgate (8) for ease of installation.
  14. Remove the 2 bolts from each hinge.
  15. Remove the liftgate (8) from the vehicle.

Installation Procedure

    Object Number: 350633 Size: SH
  1. If you are installing the original liftgate, align the liftgate hinges with the marks on the door.

    2. Notice: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.

  2. Install the liftgate (8) to the hinges. Secure the liftgate with 4 bolts.

    3. Tighten
    Tighten the liftgate-to-hinge bolts to 45 N·m (33 lb ft).


    Object Number: 350642 Size: SH
  3. Install the liftgate supports (3) to the door. Secure each support with 2 screws (4).

    4. Object Number: 350640 Size: MH
  4. Install the washer hose (4) to the liftgate, if equipped.
  5. Feed the wires (3) through the opening in the liftgate.
  6. Install the grommet.

    7. Object Number: 350633 Size: SH
  7. Connect the following electrical connectors, if equipped:
    8. • The rear wiper motor
    • The rear window defogger
    • The center high-mounted stoplamp
  8. Connect the electrical connector to each rear speaker, if equipped.
  9. Install the speakers to the liftgate (8), if equipped. Secure each speaker with 4 screws.
  10. Install the liftgate interior trim panel (4) to the vehicle. Secure the trim panel with plastic retaining clips.
  11. Lower the liftgate (8).

    12. Object Number: 350634 Size: SH
  12. Adjust the lock striker so that the striker shaft (2) lines up with the center groove of the lock (1).
  13. To adjust the vertical fit, use shims under the striker (2).

    14. Object Number: 350643 Size: SH
  14. Use the rubber cushions (1) in order to help adjust the liftgate closure. The screw-adjustable rubber cushions are located on each side of the liftgate. Refer to Body Rear End Adjustment Specifications .
  15. Connect the negative battery cable.