GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Caution: It can be dangerous to drive with the rear window or endgate open because carbon monoxide (CO) gas can come into your vehicle. You can not see or smell CO. It can cause unconsciousness and even death. If you must drive with the trunk lid open or if electrical wiring or other cable connections must pass through the seal between the body and the rear window or endgate:

   • Make sure all other windows are shut.
   • Turn the fan on your heating or cooling system to its highest speed and select the control setting that will force outside air into your vehicle. See Climate Control System .
   •  If you have air outlets on or under the instrument panel, open them all the way.
See Engine Exhaust .

Tailgate Release

To open a manual lock system from the outside, insert the key into a lock and turn it counterclockwise to unlock the liftgate, tailgate and liftglass.

To open a power lock system from the outside, insert the key into a lock and turn it counterclockwise. All the doors will then unlock.

If your vehicle is equipped with the keyless entry system, your vehicle does not have a lock on the tailgate. It is equipped with a push button to release the glass.

You may also use the keyless entry system, or the power door locks (if equipped).


Object Number: 807584  Size: A3

When the doors are unlocked, press the button to open the glass.


Object Number: 807583  Size: A3

Reach inside the tailgate to lift the handle and open the tailgate.

The tailgate can be opened without a key if the driver's door is unlocked. The tailgate glass will not release if the vehicle is in gear.

To lock a power door lock system from the outside, insert the key into a lock button and turn clockwise. All doors, the tailgate, liftgate, and liftglass will lock.

Remote Rear Glass Release


Object Number: 807585  Size: A2

The REAR HATCH button, located to the right of the steering wheel on the instrument panel, allows you to release the rear glass from inside the vehicle.

If your vehicle has an automatic transmission, your shift lever must be in PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N) for the release to work.

If you have a manual transmission, you must apply your parking brake or have the ignition off before you can open the tailgate glass.

Emergency Release for Opening Tailgate

  1. Peel back or slit the carpet to expose the access hole in the trim panel.

  2. Object Number: 807598  Size: A3

    Use a thin object to reach through the access holes in both the trim panel and the hardware cover.

  3. Pry the release lever toward the passenger's side until the glass latch pops open.
  4. Reattach the carpet securely.

Tailgate-Mounted Spare

If your vehicle has a tailgate mounted spare tire carrier, you must move the carrier arm out of the way to open the glass.

Here's how to move the arm:


Object Number: 807597  Size: B3
  1. Squeeze the release handle on the carrier arm.
  2. Swing the carrier arm away from the tailgate, giving it a slight tug.
  3. To close the carrier arm, latch by swinging it toward the tailgate.