EI06034 - Liftgate, Door Handle Broke, Broken, Lock, Will Not Open, Inoperative (Engineering Information)

Some customers may comment that either the door handle or liftgate handle is broken.

GM Engineering is attempting to determine the root cause of the door and/or liftgate handles breaking. GM has a need to obtain information first hand from the dealer during diagnosis and BEFORE repair. As a result, this information will be used by engineering to "root cause" the customer's concern and develop/validate a field fix.

If a customer brings their vehicle in for either of these concerns, follow the appropriate steps and document all information on the repair order.

Door Handle Inoperative:

1. Make sure that the window is in the full up (closed) position.
2. Remove the door trim panel.
3. Remove the water deflector.



4. Inspect the position of the retaining clip on the door lock rod -- refer to diagram.

Important:  If the vehicle is located in the Southeast Michigan area and is available for inspection by the engineer BEFORE any repairs are made, please contact Andrea Williamson at 586-492-4032. If the engineer is not available when you call, proceed with the repair and fax the repair order information to the fax number below.

5. Measure the distance from the bottom of the lock rod to the bottom of the retaining clip. Record this dimension on the repair order.

Important: When reinstalling the door lock rod retaining clip, let the lock rod hang in a natural state, then install the clip. DO NOT push up or down on the lock rod when installing the retaining clip.

6. Replace the door handle to correct the customer's concern.

Tighten
7 N·m (62 lb in)

7. Fax the front and back of the repair order to 586-947-3273, attention: Andrea Williamson.

Liftgate Handle Inoperative:

1. Remove the liftgate trim panel to gain access to the liftgate handle mounting area.
2. Using feeler gauges, measure the gap between the latch reinforcement and outer panels body panels at the following three locations:




-	Where the handle is mounted -- both sides (2 measurements). Note that the diagram only points to the one side that can be clearly seen in the picture. However, it is important to take this measurement on both sides that the handle mounts to.

-	In the middle -- refer to diagram.

Important:  If the vehicle is located in the Southeast Michigan area and is available for inspection by the engineer BEFORE any repair are made, please contact Andrea Williamson at 586-492-4032. If the engineer is not available when you call, proceed with the repair and fax the repair order information to the fax number below.

3. Note measurements of each location on the repair order.
4. Replace the liftgate handle to correct the customer's concern. If any of the measurements exceeds 1/2 mm, it will be necessary to fill the gap with Metal Panel Patch Adhesive, P/N 12378566.
5. Fax the front and back of the repair order to 586-947-3273, attention: Andrea Williamson.

For vehicles repaired under warranty, use: